Football
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Matildas' star Lisa De Vanna joins Sydney FC for W-League campaign

Sydney FC have pulled off a potentially season-defining coup by Lisa De Vanna for the upcoming W-League campaign.

De Vanna made headlines last month when she ripped a 20-metre volley during a 2-1 win over Brazil that took her to within five goals of catching Tim Cahill as Australia's greatest scorer.

The Sky Blues finished one game short of last year's grand final, but aim to go one better this season with the massive inclusion of the Matildas co-captain.

De Vanna is gunning for a fourth championship after previously winning with Brisbane Roar (2011), Melbourne Victory (2014) and Melbourne City (2016).

The 32-year-old went goalless in six games as a guest player for Canberra United last season.

"Under [coach] Ante Juric I believe the Sky Blues are capable of special things. I want to be part of a championship-winning team and this is the right place to be a part of that," De Vanna said.

She joins a Sky Blues' stable already housing national teammates Caitlin Cooper, Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Princess Ibini.

"The support I have outside of football and the opportunities off the field are important reasons for making the move and I'm thankful for the people I have around me," De Vanna said.

"I've played with a number of the girls at national team level so I know I'll have no problems fitting into the side. I'm excited to get started and I can't wait for the season ahead."

Juric said De Vanna would play a key role in mentoring the club's developing talent.

"Lisa is a proven performer and is clearly one of Australia's all-time greats when it comes to talent produced," he said.

"More importantly for Sydney FC is that she is driven and wants to add positively to that reputation she has forged.

"I believe her signing will add valuable experience to a team that has lots of youth."

Sydney FC open their season against Brisbane on Oct. 27.

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