Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Lia Privitelli on her incredible career following the announcement of her retirement from professional football.
Beginning in the A-League, Privitelli joined the Club in her debut season in 2016, under Head Coach Jeff Hopkins, where she has faithfully remained at the heart of Melbourne Victory throughout her nine year professional career.
Quickly making her mark in the league following her debut in a draw against Adelaide United, the Melbourne born attacker flourished under Hopkins, playing an important role across her first two seasons before the Club’s first Women’s Premiership in the 2018-19 competition, which in turn kicked off the first of seven consecutive Finals Series appearances.
Stepping up as the squad’s Captain in 2021, Privitelli went on to make 96 appearances with the Club, with seven goals and five assists, including being part of Victory’s back-to-back A-League Championships in seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Privitelli’s dedication and love for the Club and her teammates became something of legend after the Club’s 2022 Grand Final win over Sydney FC, when she famously handed over not just the armband to teammate Kayla Morrison, but also presented her Championship medal to Morrison during her victory speech. Morrison had been unable to play for most of the season due to injury.
While injury impacted Privitelli’s final season with the Club, she remained close and an ever important presence in the changeroom, a fantastic role model for young talent coming through the Melbourne Victory Women’s Football Program.
A legend around the Club and loved by the fans, Director of Football John Didulica said that Privitelli was a true icon of not only the Club but also our sport.
“We are incredibly proud of Lia and the enormous contribution she has made to the Club. Lia joined our ranks in 2016 at just 22 years old with so much talent and quickly became not only a fantastic footballer but a respected leader among her peers and the football community.
“We are grateful for her service to the Club for the best part of a decade and wish her all the best for the next phase of her life, albeit she will also be a big part of the Victory family.”
Always wanting to begin and end her career in navy blue, Privitelli said she was grateful for the opportunities given to her through football.
“I’ll forever be grateful to Melbourne Victory for the incredible career that I’ve had,” Privitelli said.
“The Club has been my home from day one, and I have so many fond memories both on and off the pitch. While my last season wasn’t the goodbye I’d hoped for, I’ll look back on my football career with incredible pride in what I achieved as a player and as a member of the team. My teammates and Melbourne Victory have been my second family for nine years, something that has been part of my life everyday.
“Having two Championships to my name is an incredible privilege and I will always be grateful to Jeff (Hopkins) for the faith he had in me from the beginning, as well as the entire organisation, and most of all the members and fans for the support they have provided over the years.”
Having been part of Privitelli’s senior career from the very beginning, Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was honoured to have played a part in her success
“Lia has been instrumental to our team success and culture for a number of years,” Hopkins said.
“From her first day with us in 2016, she displayed leadership and dedication not only to her game, but her teammates week in week out. She’s a special player, and a special human being, someone I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having in the changeroom for the past nine years.
“I personally am grateful for her contribution and wish her every success for the next phase of life beyond her playing career.”
Melbourne Victory would like to congratulate Lia for her outstanding contribution to the Club, and wish her all the best for the next chapter.
