By Nick Creely
Melbourne City FC has announced the inspirational return of Rebekah Stott, with the 28-year-old to make her return to the W-League this season after successfully battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
The much-loved and inspirational Stott was a member of the club’s inaugural W-League squad and has pulled on the City shirt on 62 occasions, tied with Steph Catley at the top of the appearance list.
A true fan favourite of both the club and the league, she won four championships and two premierships in her time at City from 2015 to 2020.
She returned to Australia in February this year for treatment and is now in complete remission – her comeback to W-League football providing an inspiration during a tough period.
On March 29 2021, Stott participated in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave to raise awareness and much-needed funds for cancer research. She raised a huge $38,900 for charity – smashing her target of $25,000.
Head coach Rado Vidosic said the club was delighted to welcome Stott back to the squad as it begins to settle into their new home at Casey Fields.
“It’s exciting to be announcing our squad for the new season and we are thrilled to have Stotty returning,” Vidosic said.
“Most importantly, it’s great to see her happy and healthy, but I also can’t wait to see her back on the pitch doing what she loves.
“Our squad this season will be a mix of experience and youth so to have a player of her quality and leadership back amongst the group will be a huge benefit as we look to improve on last season.”
Stott will return to City’s defensive unit and will provide the squad with plenty of experience and leadership, with the star – who has 71 caps for New Zealand – expected to significantly bolster the side.
She made her return to the football pitch in July with Bulleen Lions in the NPL and is excited about the opening weekend of the W-League on Saturday 13 November.
“It’s an incredible feeling for me to have football back and I definitely didn’t realise how much I’d missed it until I got back on the pitch,” she said.
“Dr. Nick (club doctor) has been with me from the very first appointment to the last and the club has always been behind me and supported me, so it’s great to be back.
“The W-League is such an amazing league that I always have a great time playing in and I can’t wait to pull on a City shirt again.”
