South Melbourne have completed the double signing of long-serving Heidelberg United duo Michelle Verzi and Julia Nicolaci.
The experienced midfield pairing will provide coach Socrates Nicolaidis with plenty of craft and work-rate in the middle of the park, as the club continue to build a formidable side heading into the season proper.
American utility Verzi called time on her time at Olympic Village after seven seasons with the club.
The New Jersey native worked with Nicolaidis in her homeland, where she featured for local side New Jersey Wildcats in the US W-League as well as in the Canadian second division before moving to Australia.
Starting her career Down Under in a central defensive role, Verzi progressed up the pitch for the Bergers, making her mark as an all-action central midfielder.
She was appointed club captain by her fourth season, gaining respect from her peers for her strong leadership qualities.
During her time with Heidelberg, Verzi featured in three Grand Finals, but failed to taste Premiership success, falling at the final hurdle each time.
The inaugural NPLW campaign was the first season in which Verzi failed to make the finals series in Victoria.
“I’m really excited to play football again with Soc and happy to be a part of a new club environment,” Verzi told smfc.com.au.
“Everyone has been so welcoming, the facilities are tremendous and I’m looking forward to walking out on to Lakeside wearing a South jersey”
Long-time partner in crime Nicolaci saw an even deeper-affinity with the Bergers come to a close, having featured for the club for the best part of a decade.
Beginning her career with Eltham North, the attacking midfielder completed a move to the then reigning WPL Champions in 2008, where she soon became synonymous with the club.
A stellar 2015 season was the personal highlight of her time with the club, where the creative force registered 17 goals from attacking midfield, marking her name as one of the league’s best players that season.
In total, Nicolaci netted 59 goals in nine seasons with the club, falling just short of the 200 game mark at Olympic Village.
“The introduction of the WNPL has taken women’s football in Victoria to the next level. Now with South Melbourne involved it’s a step up again,” Nicolaci told smfc.com.au.
“The way South integrates the women’s team with the men’s team gives you the feeling you are truly part of a family environment.
“I spent a long enjoyable time at Heidelberg and made some amazing friends. However the time was right for the change and I now have a fantastic opportunity here at South Melbourne.”
The pair join a stellar cast of new additions for Nicolaidis’ squad in 2017, including current and former W-League players Tiffany Eliadis, Alex Gummer and Jamie Pollock, Brittany Thomas and Antonia Niteros from NPLW rivals Alamein FC and Southern United respectively, as well as Tasmanian youngster Aimee Medwin.