Melbourne City FC has announced the signing of Westfield Matildas defender Laura Alleway ahead of the Westfield W-League 2015/16 season.
The 25-year-old follows international teammate and Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna in joining Melbourne City FC, as Head Coach Joe Montemurro continues to build his squad for the Club’s inaugural W-League campaign.
A member of Brisbane Roar’s championship winning squad in 2011, Alleway boasts a wealth of W-League experience, registering over 50 appearances in the women’s domestic competition.
Upon returning to Australia following a spell with English Women’s Super League (FAWSL) club Lincoln Ladies in 2012, Alleway established herself as an integral part of the Matildas’ defence, representing her country in two FIFA Women’s World Cups since making her national debut in 2010.
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With Alleway returning from the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Canada, Montemurro expressed his delight at securing one of Australia’s most talented defenders.
“We are very excited to have Laura join Melbourne City FC in our inaugural season,” Montemurro said.
“Laura is an extremely talented defender who has a lot of domestic and international experience.
“To have Laura on board helps establish the foundations of our defence as we continue to build a competitive squad this season.”
Alleway, the Club’s second W-League signing, is excited to be a part of the Club’s first W-League campaign.
“It’s really exciting and hopefully we can come out with a big bang in the first season,” Alleway said.
“We haven’t yet played together and it’s a fresh team, but there is a lot of optimism and excitement around this season, our team and the Club.
“As the team builds, we are really looking forward to working together and hopefully create something special with City.”
Alleway will wear the number 5 jersey.