A vital member of Melbourne Victory’s Westfield W-League engine room has returned for a third straight season.
United States international Christine Nairn will rejoin the club after a successful season in America with Washington Spirit.
Following the arrivial of English striker Natasha Dowie, Nairn is the second foreign player confirmed on Victory’s W-League roster for the 2016/17 season.
“This will be my third season with Victory, and they’ve always welcomed me with open arms,” she said.
“Victory has gone above and beyond with everything and made me feel at home. My loyalty is here. They put faith in me three years ago and I’m happy to be back.
“To be able to put on the blue and white jersey is something you hold near and dear to your heart. It’s a family atmosphere and that’s something that’s important to me.”
Nairn has spent the past three years playing in the US National Women’s Soccer League with Washington, then spending the Australian summer with Victory.
The 26-year-old was an integral part of the Spirit’s 2016 season, which ended in a loss on penalties to Western New York Flash in the Final, playing 22 matches and scoring three goals.
Her first season with Victory was in 2014/15, when she played 13 games, scored two goals and helped the team reach the Semi Finals.
Nairn started in each of her 11 appearances in the Westfield W-League last season.
“I think it was more of a building year for the team and the club,” she said.
“The first time the team played together verses the last time were two totally different teams. What was important was getting better each and every game.
“By the end of the season we were a completely different team in a better way.”
Victory revealed its first group of W-League signings last week, with the complete squad to be announced soon.
