Melbourne Victory W-League have announced that Maika Ruyter-Hooley will be returning to the club for the remainder of the 2013/14 Westfield W-League season.
The towering centre back was a foundation squad member and made 54 appearances in her time at the club, but was going to give this season a miss because of study commitments overseas.
Head coach Dave Edmondson has been impressed by her condition since she resumed training a couple of weeks ago and is delighted to have such an experienced head back in the squad.
“That experience counts for a lot and so does her knowledge of the game and stature obviously,” Edmondson said in a media release.
“We’ve conceded a couple of goals from set pieces this season and she’s a taller player and good in the air and adds another dimension to what we’ve got at the back.
“Hopefully she can get a little bit of game time before the semis and then she’ll be in contention, just like everybody else, for a starting spot.”
Ruyter-Hooley has become the second defender to be signed within a week following the arrival of Lauren Barnes, and her return to the club provides an added boost to their title push.
Forward Caitlin Friend feels that Victory have been missing the experience of Ruyter-Hooley this season and feels that she can have a big influence on the young squad that Victory possess.
“She offers so much experience in our back line and I think we’ve missed her quite a bit in the games we’ve had this year,” Friend said.
“I think with such a young team and a young back line that bit of experience along with the latest signing Lauren Barnes it’s just like going to enhance our team and make our defence a lot stronger so it’s looking really positive for us.
Ruyter-Hooley is in contention to start this weekend against Perth Glory at Kingston Heath, while Emma Checker is a small chance to return following her minor knee injury.