ADELAIDE United has unveiled Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac as its first signing for the upcoming W-League campaign.

The SA-born playmaker, who returned to the Reds last season following a stint with Melbourne City, inked a new one-year contract with her hometown club.

Chidiac, 18, was part of Australia’s victorious side at this month’s Tournament of Nations in the US.

She said helping United improve on last season’s sixth-place finish was her target.

“I’m really excited for this upcoming season — it’s great to be back home,” said Chidiac, who has four senior international caps.

“Our success at the end of last season really drew me back this season.

“I think we have a bit of unfinished business, so I want to stamp Adelaide United’s authority on the W-League.

“United is the team that I grew up supporting, my family supported it, so it’s a feeling of home and ... there’s a lot of pride.

media_camera Alex Chidiac in action for Adelaide United last W-League season. Picture: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

Chidiac, who has played in the SA Women’s Premier League for Adelaide City over winter, won the Reds’ W-League Rising Star Award last season.

She has played 17 games and scored three goals in two stints at United.

Reds coach Ivan Karlovic said Chidiac’s signing was a major boost to his plans.

“Alex is a fringe Matilda who is starting to work her way into the (national team) squad on a regular basis,” said Karlovic, who has stepped up from assistant coach last campaign.

“Most importantly, she’s a local girl who we’re looking to build the squad around and hopefully catapult her and the side on to bigger and better things.

“Alex is an extremely technical footballer who loves to get on the ball and makes the play happen.

“We’re looking for her to deliver that.”

Karlovic hoped to have the bulk of his squad in place to begin training next month.