South Melbourne FC is excited to confirm that Australian Football icon, Olympian and current Matilda Lisa De Vanna has joined the club.
De Vanna will have a dual role with club, where she will immediately join our NPL Victoria Women’s team for the 2017 season. She will also take up a newly formed role of Women’s Football Ambassador at the Club, which will allow her to work with the club on numerous and exciting projects relating to increasing the profile of women’s football at our club and throughout the country.
De Vanna is a household name with football fans across the world through a career spanning 11 years across England, Australia and the United States.
The attacking player however is best known for her long and decorated career with the Australian National Team, The Matildas. With 121 international caps and 40 goals to her name, she remains only 2 goals behind Kate Gill to become Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Speaking at the SMFC Jersey Night, De Vanna was excited to have joined the club. “It’s wonderful to have joined a club with great history and ambition.
I am looking forward to playing a role on the park throughout 2017, but assisting the club in its goals off the park promoting women’s football and assisting young players achieve their dream. Thank you to Gabrielle Giuliano and Socrates Nicolaides for this wonderful opportunity.”
SMFC Women’s Football Director Gabrielle Giuliano was pleased with her acquisition. “I am delighted that Lisa has joined SMFC as an ambassador for women’s football. Whilst still focussed on her national journey, South will partner with her to help transition into her future after football. From a capacity of mentoring, coaching and identifying upcoming talent, this partnership will help propel us to the next level.”
We look forward to seeing her in our colours in the coming weeks.