Melbourne Victory is pleased to confirm that rising stars Laura Pickett and Ella O’Grady have re-signed with the Club for the upcoming A-League season.
Having made her Ninja A-League debut against Adelaide United in November, Laura Pickett made 18 appearances last season, with 11 starts across the 2024/25 season. The 21-year-old emerged as a defender of great promise with a series of eye-catching performances at right full back in Victory’s record breaking season.
Teammate Ella O’Grady will be heading into her third season with the Club, after joining Victory’s ranks in 2023 from Football Queensland. Having made 25 appearances for the Club, O’Grady has also had an impact on the international stage with selection in the Australian U20 national team for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2024.
With the Club now building towards fielding an NPL Women’s squad in February, fostering the development of young talent at Melbourne Victory continues to be an integral part of ensuring the ongoing growth of the Club’s Women’s program.
Head Coach Jeff Hopkins talked highly of both young stars, outlining his admiration and excitement for the impact they’ll have in the 2025/26 season.
“Ella is such an exciting player, we are all looking forward to seeing her make a real impact this season with her pace and finishing power,” Hopkins said.
“Laura had a break-out season last year, she is such a tough competitor and will be looking to pick up right where she left off last season. I’m really looking forward to seeing her progression again this season”
Director of Football John Didulica said he was pleased to have both talents continuing their careers with Victory, an important factor in long term success.
“Melbourne Victory is thrilled to have both Ella and Laura part of our A-League Women’s program for 2025/26,” Didulica said.
“We pride ourselves on providing professional domestic and international opportunities for up and coming talent at Victory, as we continue to work towards our collective goal of securing silverware in the Ninja A-League competition.
“Both Laura and Ella have made great contributions to Victory throughout their careers so far, and we have no doubt they can play increasingly influential roles this season and beyond.”
