Kristen Hamilton believes that the W-League has upped its standards over recent years, making it an enticing prospect for American stars to enjoy a stint down under.

The 27-year-old hit the ground running during her first competitive outing in red and black on Thursday, scoring a spectacular header to open the scoring for the Wanderers in their 2-1 opening day victory over Adelaide United.

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The striker – one of Western Sydney Wanderers’ three recruits from the reigning back-to-back NWSL Champions North Carolina Courage – looked a class above at times as she showed no signs of her late arrival to the squad.

Hamilton claimed post-match that her seamless transition was assisted greatly by a similarity in style and pace between the NWSL and W-League.

“I haven’t seen too much of a difference which is really good,” she said.

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“The Wanderers are actually playing very similar to how I was playing over in America so it’s been a really easy transition.

“That’s a testament to this league that has definitely upped its standard which is great for us as players.”

Hamilton is also enjoying life off the pitch with a strong American contingent scattered throughout the W-League this campaign.

“I’ve had a lot of friends play down here and they’ve all said it’s great,” she said.

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“Sydney’s awesome- I couldn’t ask for a better city to be playing in.

“The quality’s good and there’s plenty of Americans playing from team to team which is fun.

“It’s also just great to meet new people.”

Hamilton is eager to continuing contributing goals and assists moving forward as she links up with her Courage teammates Lynn Williams and Denise O’Sullivan in the coming weeks.

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The one-time USWNT representative said she is also looking “to help shape the team and lead by example,” using her experience to offer guidance for Western Sydney’s promising young players.

Feature Image Credit: Western Sydney Wanderers