Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond has joined Melbourne City for the upcoming W-League season.
The 26-year-old joins City on a one-year deal from American NWSL team Orlando Pride, having confirmed earlier this month that she would not be returning to hometown club Newcastle Jets.
"I'm very excited to begin my journey at Melbourne City. The club is extremely professional, second to none, and I'm just super excited to be here," van Egmond said in a statement.
"We have a huge year coming up again with the Matildas, with Olympic qualifications and hopefully Olympics, and I feel where I am right now in my career, it's the best environment for me to be able to challenge myself individually as a player and to obviously be successful with the team."
While ankle surgery in August ended van Egmond's NWSL season prematurely, the midfielder is on track to be fit for the start of the W-League season.
Van Egmond has earned 90 caps for the Matildas since making her national team debut as a 16-year-old in 2010. She has represented Australia at three World Cups and had a stint in Germany's Frauen-Bundesliga before joining Orlando last year.
She joins former Adelaide United captain Emma Checker as one of two new signings for the three-time W-League champions to date.
"I've been extremely fortunate to play in a bunch of different environments, Europe, the US and obviously here in Australia, and I think all these different experiences have definitely helped shape my career and helped me gain those 90 caps for the national team," van Egmond said.
"I have a strong winning mentality, which is part of the reason I chose to come to Melbourne City because I want to win."
Australian Associated Press
