By Nick Creely
Melbourne City FC has finalised its A-League Women playing roster for the 2021/22 season, with New Zealand defender Marisa van der Meer and midfielder Meisha Westland putting pen to paper on deals.
The young duo are City’s final signings ahead of the new season, which is set to kick-off on Friday 3 December.
City – who will be looking to bounce back from its seventh placed finish last season – have significantly bolstered the list to find new talent and also managed to retain the bulk of its stars ahead of what will be a bumper and historic A-League season for the club who have moved to its new base at Casey Fields.
Van der Meer recently received her first international call-up and was part of the White Ferns’ squad for the Tokyo Olympics, and is regarded as a versatile defender. She most recently played football for Canterbury United Pride in New Zealand and this will be her first season in Australia
Westland joins the club from NPL Queensland’s Lions FC. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has been performing at a consistently high level for the past few seasons and will be a strong addition for City.
Westland is a part of the Emerging Matildas Program and her playing style is set to fit in well with the City style of play.
“We’re very happy to be welcoming both Marisa and Meisha to the club,” City coach Rado Vidosic said:
“Marisa gained some valuable experience as part of New Zealand’s squad in the Tokyo Olympics and we’re looking forward to working with her and watching her continue to develop as a player.
“She’s capable of playing multiple positions so will add further versatility and depth to our defence.
“Meisha has been a player we’ve had an eye on for a while and she’s very deserving of this opportunity. She suits our style of play and we’re excited to work with her and see her continue to improve.”
Melbourne City FC 2021/22 A-League Women squad: Melissa BARBIERI (gk), Chelsea BLISSETT, Emma CHECKER (c), Naomi CHINNAMA, Leah DAVIDSON, Sally JAMES (gk), Caitlin KARIC, Darcey MALONE, Leticia MCKENNA, Holly MCNAMARA, Rhianna POLLICINA, Rebekah STOTT, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Tori TUMETH, Marisa van der MEER, Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, Meisha WESTLAND, Hannah WILKINSON.
