Photo: South Melbourne
Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna will return to the Victorian top-flight, having signed a player/ambassador contract with NPLW high-fliers South Melbourne.
The veteran of 121 caps at international level, the 32-year-old’s last stint in the Victorian state leagues saw her feature for Bundoora United, for whom she netted five goals for in the back end of the 2015 season.
“This is my break,” De Vanna previously told TCF on her move to Bundoora.
“For me to play in the WPL is to get back into things and give back to the community as well, because I haven’t really had the chance to stay and play at home.”
The only player to have featured for six different W-League franchises – Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and most recently Canberra United – De Vanna is no stranger to adapting to new environments.
If South have it their way, De Vanna could potentially be already playing for her seventh W-League outfit, with her new club pushing for a spot in the womens national league alongside their bid for an A-League licence.
Glad to announce that I’m officially a @smfc player and will be the clubs women’s football ambassador. A club with history and ambition pic.twitter.com/OY0kgRNJDb
— Lisa De Vanna (@lisadevanna11) April 7, 2017
The technically gifted forward will bolster a front third that has been heavily reliant on former Melbourne City teammate Melina Ayres for goals, with the 17-year-old netting nine of her side’s 13 goals for the season.
“I am looking forward to playing a role on the park throughout 2017, but assisting the club in its goals off the park promoting women’s football and assisting young players achieve their dream,” she told smfc.com.au.
“Thank you to Gabrielle Giuliano and Socrates Nicolaides for this wonderful opportunity.”
She will also work with the club in an off-field capacity through a newly formed Women’s Football Ambassador role that will see her engage in activities to increase the profile of South’s women’s football division.
Women’s football director Gabrielle Giuliano spoke about De Vanna’s role as an ambassador for the club and spoke about some of the other club duties she’ll be performing.
“I am delighted that Lisa has joined SMFC as an ambassador for women’s football,” she said.
“Whilst still focussed on her national journey, South will partner with her to help transition into her future after football.
“From a capacity of mentoring, coaching and identifying upcoming talent, this partnership will help propel us to the next level.”
In other news, Alex Chidiac has confirmed she will not link up with Heidelberg United FC, instead opting to remain in South Australia with Adelaide City.