Melbourne City FC can confirm the re-signing of four Championship winning players and the addition of one of Australia’s brightest female talents to its squad ahead of the Westfield W-League 2016/17 season.
Westfield Matilda’s striker Larissa Crummer , New Zealand international Rebekah Stott and foundation players Marianna Tabain and Amy Jackson will remain at the Club for its W-League title defence.
The Club has also strengthened in attack with the signing of Australian U16’s striker Jacinta Galabadaarachchi , who trained with her new teammates for the first time this week.
Tabain and Galabadaarachchi have both resumed full pre-season training, while Crummer, Stott and captain Steph Catley are on restricted duties as the trio continue their return to full fitness.
Jackson will return to training at the conclusion of her playing stint in South Korea with Korean WK League side Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro said: “Larissa, Rebekah, Marianna and Amy played an important role in our W-League success last season. It was important for us to keep a core part of our first-team squad together and we are delighted to have them on board for our title defence.”
“Jacinta is a fantastic prospect who has incredible skill for her age. She will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the country in a highly professional environment, which can only benefit her development.”
Crummer, 20, was instrumental in helping City claim an historic Premiership and Championship double in its maiden campaign, capping off a breakout season by winning the inaugural NAB W-League Young Player of the Year award.
The talented striker also claimed the W-League Golden Boot after an impressive return of 11 goals during the regular season, and returns to Melbourne after representing Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Stott, 23, notched up her 50th international appearance while in action for New Zealand at the Olympic Games in Rio.
The versatile defender played a key role in a City defence which conceded only five goals en route to the Championship, playing at full-back and in central defence across 13 appearances last season.
Tabain, 23, has already amassed 80 league appearances since the inaugural W-League season in 2008, demonstrating her pace and ability in attack with seven goals in 14 matches for City last season.
Jackson, 28, displayed her versatility in defence and midfield, featuring at right-back and in central midfield during her 14 appearances for City last season.
Galabadaarachchi, 15, recently returned from Junior Matildas duty in Vietnam, where she helped Australia qualify for next year’s AFC U-16 Asian Championships with six goals in the qualifying stages.
City will begin its W-League title defence at home when the Club takes on Newcastle Jets at CB Smith Reserve on Sunday 6 November.
