Melbourne City FC is delighted to announce the signing of Scottish international Claire Emslie ahead of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season.

The 25-year-old forward joins the Club on a season-long loan from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Orlando Pride.

Emslie is a potent attacker, who joins the Club following stints with Hibernian, Bristol City, Manchester City and most recently Orlando Pride.



Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo said: “To have a player of Claire’s calibre joining our program speaks volumes of our Women’s team.”

“Claire is a player who is adept on both sides of her body, she has raw pace, the ability to beat players and to score goals.

“She’s also very versatile, where she's able to play across all three positions in the front line.”

Speaking on her signing, Claire Emslie said: “I’m very excited to be joining Melbourne City for the upcoming W-League season.”

“City is a very professional club with a history of success, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the Club as the team looks to create more history.

“I can’t wait to get over to Australia and start training with the team.”

In 2008, Emslie first represented her country when she played two games for Scotland’s U15 side. She then went on to make 15 appearances for Scotland’s U17 side scoring three goals, before netting six in 16 appearances for Scotland’s U19s. Since her senior debut in 2013, the 25-year-old has made 25 appearances for her nation, scoring five goals in that time, including Scotland's first ever goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup.

A proven goal scorer who has the ability to shoot with both feet, Emslie began her professional club career when she joined Hibernian in the Scottish Women’s Premier League in 2011. During her time there, Emslie netted 18 goals in 35 games before earning a move to Bristol City.

Emslie continued her goal scoring form in England, playing 20 games and scoring 11 goals during her time at Bristol. Following a season-long stint between 2016/17 at Bristol, the attacker joined Manchester City.

During her time at Manchester City, Emslie played an important role in the club securing the FA Women’s League Cup and Women’s FA Cup in the 2018/19 season. The attacker made 31 appearances, scoring eight goals, during her time at Manchester before moving to America for her first stint in the NWSL when she joined Orlando Pride earlier this year.

Emslie is currently on international duty with Scotland and will join the team in Melbourne following the completion of the international break.

Melbourne City FC’s 2019/20 Westfield W-League squad to date: Lydia Williams, Melissa Barbieri, Lauren Barnes, Steph Catley, Emma Checker, Rhali Dobson, Ellie Carpenter, Emily Van Egmond, Claire Emslie, Chelsea Blissett, Sofia Sakalis, Nia Stamatopoulos, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Yukari Kinga, Kyah Simon.