Melbourne City FC can announce the signings of New Zealand defender Marisa van der Meer and midfielder Meisha Westland for the 2021/22 A-League Women season.
The young duo are City’s final signings ahead of the new season, which is set to kick-off on Friday 3 December.
van der Meer recently received her first international call-up and was part of the Football Ferns’ squad for the Tokyo Olympics, although she is yet to receive her first cap.
The versatile defender can play across the backline and the 2021/22 season will be her first in Australia.
van der Meer most recently played her club football for Canterbury United Pride in New Zealand’s top tier and will be looking to make her presence felt in her first season at City.
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 now get her first taste of professional football.
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.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said:
“We’re very happy to be welcoming both Marisa and Meisha to the Club.
“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.”
Marisa van der Meer said:
“I made this move to Australia and City because I see it as a really good opportunity to not only play in a great team, but to challenge and better myself as a player.
“Apart from the Club’s great reputation, I’ve heard very good things about the setup that City have, as well as the great environment that the players and staff have created.”
Meisha Westland said:
“I’m excited about being coached under Rado in a professional environment. I’m ready to be pushed, challenged, and learn a lot.
“My goals this season are to make my debut and have an impact on the field. I really want to showcase what I can do on the pitch, both in training and on game day.”
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.
