Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the return of four Championship winning players to its squad ahead of the 2017/18 Westfield W-League season.

Australia national team goalkeeper Lydia Williams, New Zealand international Rebekah Stott, American defender Lauren Barnes and foundation striker Larissa Crummer have all returned ahead of the Club’s title defence.

The quartet commenced pre-season training at the City Football Academy earlier this week after concluding their playing duties in the US National Women’s Soccer League with Seattle Reign.

Crummer, 21, will aim to return to her best form after missing a large portion of the 2016/17 campaign due to injury. The talented striker was instrumental in helping City claim an historic Premiership and Championship double in its maiden campaign, claiming the W-League Golden Boot with 11 goals and the inaugural W-League Young Player of the Year Award.

Commenting on the re-signings, Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo said;

“Larissa’s return is like a new signing for us. She proved during her first season that she’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the league and we’re confident that she can reach those heights again this season. To have her fit and firing again is a massive boost for us ahead of our title defence.

“Lydia, Rebekah, and Lauren played a very important role in our success last season. It was vital for us to keep our core defensive unit together and we are delighted to have them back on board for our title defence.

“Their re-signing with us is testament to the consistent performances, standards and results we are aiming to achieve with this team.”

Williams, 29, was a standout between the posts during her first season at the Club, keeping five clean sheets from her 14 appearances; with two of those coming in the Finals Series against Canberra United and Perth Glory.

Barnes, 28 was a figure of consistency in defence throughout her first campaign at City, making 12 appearances and starring in the Finals Series to help the Club to its historic second W-League title.

Kiwi defender Stott, 24, returns to City for a third consecutive season after joining the Club in its inaugural season, making 27 appearances across two-title winning campaigns.

The quartet joins Jess Fishlock, Kyah Simon, Amy Jackson, Rhali Dobson, Hayley Richmond, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Sofia Sakalis ahead of City’s season-opener against Perth Glory next Friday.