Melbourne City FC has bolstered its Women’s squad for the upcoming season with the re-signing of Isabella Accardo and Caitlin Karic on one-year deals.
At just 18 and 19, the talented young duo returns for their fourth year in City colours after having been part of last season’s A-League Women’s Premiers Plate success.
Both players made their professional debuts in the same match against Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park in December 2022. Accardo has since gone on to make 11 appearances for City, while Karic has found the back of the net twice in her 24 outings.
With these young talents re-signed and the squad now close to complete, full focus turns to City’s opening AFC Women’s Champions League fixture against Bam Khatoon FC on Sunday 6 October.
Goalkeeper Mia Bailey and midfielder Carina Rossi have also joined the Club on Development Agreements ahead of the Champions League Group Stage.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, commented on the re-signings and the overall squad that has been assembled for the new campaign.
“We are pleased to have Caitlin and Isabella returning to the Club as they continue to develop as professional footballers.
“It’s a huge season for our Women’s team with the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League on the horizon – a competition we can’t wait to play in.
“We believe we’ve built a really strong squad with depth capable of challenging for silverware both domestically and in Asia.”
Despite struggling with injuries last season, Caitlin Karic said she had learnt plenty and was excited for what’s to come.
“Although last season didn’t go as well as I’d hoped personally, it was still such an amazing experience to be part of a Premiership-winning squad.
“I’m really excited to be back at City and to have the chance to continue to develop as a footballer and learn from so many great players.”
Isabella Accardo said she was pleased to return for her fourth season in City blue.
“I have learnt so much in my time at Melbourne City and couldn’t imagine a better place to be to continue to grow as a player and person.
“It’s an exciting season coming up and I’ll be doing everything I can to push for as many minutes as possible.”
2024/25 Melbourne City Women’s Squad (to date)
Isabella ACCARDO, Alexia APOSTALAKIS, Melissa BARBIERI (GK), Lourdes BOSCH, Leah DAVIDSON, Bryleeh HENRY, Laura HUGHES, Caitlin KARIC, Leticia McKENNA, Shelby McMAHON, Holly McNAMARA, Kiera MEYERS, Malena MIERES (GK), Emilia MURRAY, Taylor OTTO, Rhianna POLLICINA, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Mariana SPECKMAIER, Rebekah STOTT (C), Sophia VARLEY (GK), Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
