National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Powerhouse side APIA Leichhardt FC have secured one of the signings of the competition by snapping up Matildas Legend Lisa De Vanna.
De Vanna is a player who needs no introduction however her accomplishments and feats are awe-inspiring.
The 36-year-old has played in four World Cups and two Olympics, she owns the record for the most goals by a Matilda and is the second most capped Matilda of all time. She is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star, a FFA Female Footballer of the Year, a Julie Dolan Medal recipient, and a five-time W-League Champion.
Her career has seen her travel internationally playing in England, Sweden, the US and Italy and will now call Lambert Park home.
“Why APIA,” said De Vanna.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has spoken so highly of the club. What they stand for, and I appreciate their story.
“They have a great set up and I want to be part of helping the club reach its goals.
“I know Spencer really well and our Football philosophies match, the club has put a great team together and I need to put myself in the best position to make the Olympic teams and APIA ticked all the boxes.
“I’m really looking forward to playing my first game tonight,” said De Vanna.
“It really is amazing that we have just managed to sign the greatest ever goalscorer in Matilda’s history,” said Spencer Prior.
“Rewind 6 years ago and the club was being called the NPL competition bye and look at us now.
“Through a lot of hard work, we have signed the second-highest capped Matilda ever.
“We already have a very good squad but what Lisa brings off the pitch is just as important to what she brings on the pitch.
“She’s a leader, she expects nothing but the best from herself and expects that same effort from her teammates and that can only bode well for the remainder of the season.
“Losing Nicki Flannery was a big loss for us, she was in exceptional form coming from W-League and made a huge impression in a short space of time both on and off the pitch, besides her obvious talent, her loss really hurt us squad number wise, so when Lisa was available it was the case of the right player at the right time.
“I’ve known Lisa for a long time, she’s a great person and a great leader and that will only benefit the entire squad, especially the younger ones within the team.
“Lisa is an incredible athlete, and we will do everything in our power to ensure she is in the best possible shape leading into the Olympic camp next month and the same goes for Georgia and any of the other girls who get called up”.
Lisa will be playing her first game tonight 7.30pm at Lambert Park against the Northern Tigers in their Round 1 catch-up game.
Those unable to attend the match can watch the game LIVE on NPL.TV.