Melbourne Victory's hopes of a Westfield W-League Finals Series berth have received a major boost with Emily Gielnik agreeing to join in pursuit of a fresh challenge.
Gielnik, 26, has signed a one-year deal with Jeff Hopkins' side just over a month out from the new Westfield W-League season.
The move ends her long and successful stay with Brisbane Roar, the club she joined in 2009 and helped to three major trophies.
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Gielnik explained a reunion with former coach Hopkins and the opportunity to reset made Victory's offer impossible to pass up.
"I was ready for a new challenge and after talking to Jeff I decided to make the move to Melbourne," Gielnik said.
"I can't wait to get started and meet all the girls, I'm excited for what we can achieve this season."
Hopkins hailed Gielnik, a regular in the Westfield Matildas setup, as a valuable role model for the more inexperienced players at the club.
"Emily is a great addition to our squad for the upcoming season, she is exactly the kind of player I wanted to bring in," Hopkins said.
"Not only will she play an important part in our attack, her experience and leadership qualities will be great for the younger players in the group."
