Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Elise Kellond-Knight on a glittering career in professional football as the Matilda announced her retirement from football overnight.
With 113 appearances for the national team and 115 appearances in the A-League Women’s, 29 of those with Melbourne Victory over the past two seasons, Kellond-Knight has left a lasting impact on football in Australia and will forever be an example for future Matildas.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said KK’s contribution to the game has been enormous.
“It was a privilege for Melbourne Victory to work with KK as she’s been a transformative leader across Australian football, both on and off the pitch”, Didulica said.
“As a footballer, she was proof that Australian footballers could be as technically gifted as any player across the world and she was ahead of the curve in launching a full-time career within European football”.
“Off-field, she’s been a great spokesperson for the code and been a leader in ensuring that Australian women footballers could build elite professional careers.”
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was honoured to have KK as part of his squad in the final season of her professional career.
“As a Club, we were incredibly proud and humbled to have had KK as a Melbourne Victory player for the past two seasons,” Hopkins said.
“The level of determination, professionalism and the will to win was infectious with KK and set an example for the rest of the team to follow in the way she held herself on and off the pitch.
“Her impact on women’s football in Australia will be long-lasting and we wish her the best in what’s next for her and hope she continues to contribute to the game in her post-playing days.”
Everyone at Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Kellond-Knight for her contribution to the Club and the game of football in Australia.
