Heidelberg United have strengthened their defence with the signing of Melissa Missailidis for the 2016 NPLW season.
Similar to fellow new recruit Steph Galea, she is a former Bundoora United player who was part of the club’s 2012 WPL Grand Final defeat to Box Hill.
She had been at Hillsview Recreation Reserve for over a decade, but departed before the beginning of the 2015 season.
“We are delighted to have added a player of Mel’s ability at United,” Heidelberg coach Bill Mihaloudis said.
“She’s a mobile defender who provides calmness and composure on the ball.
“She makes quick decisions and brings a wealth of experience and stability to the team.”
The central defender took a year off in 2015 to travel.
Despite her break, she has been involved in the sport as a game development coordinator at Melbourne City.
The new signing said she was excited to feature in a Heidelberg side embarking on a new era in the NPLW Victoria.
“I’m pretty excited about this move to be honest because I didn’t play last season apart from futsal and training,” Missailidis said.
“Being at Bundoora for 10 years was great but it is time for a change.
“One of my major reasons for joining Heidelberg is because it’s very close to my work, but I am also very keen to be in a different environment and try something new.
“I’m looking forward to learning how Bill coaches and the standard he sets.
“His teams have always been tough sides to beat as they never give up and are quite aggressive.”
Heidelberg’s new additions include Missailidis, Galea, Joey Cartwright and Lexi Anastassiou, while Aneta Komijat and Adelyn Ayton have departed, with the former heading back home to Tasmania.
Feature image: Zee Ko