Casey-based Melbourne City has secured the services of 19-year-old attacking forward Bryleeh Henry for the next two seasons.
Henry has made 21 appearances for Western Sydney in the last two seasons before debuting for the Matildas in October last year.
More recently, she was part of the young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 women’s world cup, starting in all three fixtures, where she got to play under Rado Vidosic who was assistant coach.
Vidosic said that Henry will further add to the teams attacking depth.
“We’re excited to be bringing one of the brightest young attackers in the country to our club for the next two years,” Vidosic said.
“She’s a player we’ve been following for a long time and she has always performed well when playing against us.
“Bryleeh has an enormous amount of potential and importantly, she’s also a good person whose values fit well within the culture of the group.”
Henry will play alongside Hannah Wilkinson, whose return has been confirmed for the upcoming season.
Wilkinson scored 14 goals in 14 appearances last season, headlined by the Boxing Day Melbourne derby when she found the back of the net five times.
A dominant first season for City saw Wilkinson rocket into second in the club’s all-time Women’s leading scorer list, now just three goals behind Jess Fishlock.
Head Coach Vidosic said securing Wilkinson’s signature was a big priority over the off-season.
“Hannah’s presence in the final third was huge for us all season and was a big factor in a number of the goals we scored,” he said.
“We’re delighted to welcome her back for the new season and look forward to seeing her again provide a focal point for us upfront.
“With plenty of experience and success all over the world, Hannah brings a great amount of leadership to our group.”
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Rhianna Pollicina has been locked in for a return to Melbourne City for the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season!
Last season was a breakout campaign for her as she netted seven goals to go with three assists in 16 fixtures and brought energy to the group.
Pollicina was voted PFA Player of the Month by her peers in both January and February, while she also took out the Coaches Award at City’s Player of the Year night.
The club has also confirmed Melissa Barbieri will return to the club as a playing-assistant coach in what will be her 26th year as a professional footballer.
Injury saw Barbieri thrust into the role of City’s number one goalkeeper at the start of last season, a spot that she grabbed with both hands.
Barbieri has now made a total of 92 A-League Women’s appearances, with 20 of those coming after first joining City in 2017.
Melbourne City kick off its campaign away against Wellington on Sunday 20 November, 1pm.
