Melbourne City’s historic Premiership-Championship winning season will be remembered for much more than silverware.
As preparations begin for the 2026/27 campaign, seven members of last season’s history-making squad have earned opportunities overseas, taking the next step in their careers across some of the world’s biggest women’s competitions.
Holly McNamara, Leah Davidson, Bryleeh Henry, Leticia McKenna, Laura Hughes, Alexia Apostolakis and Taylor Otto all depart after helping deliver one of the most successful periods in City’s history.
Their moves continue a trend that has seen City players not only thrive domestically, but also earn opportunities on the international stage.
During their time at the Club, McNamara, McKenna, Davidson, Hughes and Apostolakis all made their senior Matildas debuts in City colours. Henry added to her international appearances, while Hughes also made her senior debut for Wales after initially breaking into the Matildas setup during her time in Melbourne.
On the pitch, each player played an important role in City’s Premiership-Championship winning campaign, with McNamara finishing the season as the Ninja A-League Golden Boot winner.
Several departures also mark significant moments in Club history.
McKenna leaves as the second-most capped player in Melbourne City Women’s history with 114 appearances, departing for Nottingham Forest in a record outbound transfer fee for a Ninja A-League player.
Davidson’s move to Charlton Athletic also came via a transfer fee, ending a remarkable six-year spell that saw her become the third-most capped player in Club history with 107 appearances.
McNamara joins Davidson in England’s top flight, heading to Everton after establishing herself as one of Australia’s most exciting forwards, while Henry joins Swedish powerhouse Rosengård in the Damallsvenskan following 84 appearances in City blue.
Otto departs after helping City win three consecutive Premierships, continuing her career in Canada’s Northern Super League with Calgary Wild.
Meanwhile, Hughes and Apostolakis will continue their development in England after securing moves to Southampton and Bristol City respectively.
While each player’s journey has taken them to a different destination, they leave having shared one remarkable chapter together, helping deliver City’s third consecutive Premiership and a Championship to complete one of the greatest seasons in the Club’s history.
As one chapter closes, another begins.
With an exciting new-look squad assembled for 2026/27, including the inclusion of Matildas star Cortnee Vine and the return of goalscoring machine Melina Ayres, City now looks ahead to writing the next chapter of its story, inspired by those who have helped pave the way.
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