Cortnee Vine, pictured at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, brings bags of experience back to Melbourne (AAP Image/Darren England)
Shepparton-born FIFA Women’s World Cup hero Cortnee Vine has returned to Australia - joining Melbourne City after two seasons in the United States.
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The 30-time Matildas capped star will bring extensive experience to the Ninja A-League club following her stint with North Carolina Courage, where she made 22 appearances, scoring twice.
After City clinched the A-League premiership and championship, the hope down at Ctrl:Cyber Pitch will be that the winger will provide the ammunition for a successful double title defence.
The 28-year-old started her career over at the Brisbane Roar, before stints with the Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and Sydney Olympic in her homeland.
Perhaps the crowning moment of her career so far, though, came in the green and gold at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 quarter-final as she earned a special place in the nation’s sporting history by scoring the decisive penalty in a 7-6 shootout victory.
Converting the Matildas’ 10th and final spot kick in the last eight against France in front of over 40,000 spectators in Brisbane, she earned her side passage to the semi-final for a first time in its history.
Following on from her heroics, she was selected to compete on the world stage once more at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Cortnee Vine after scoring s the winning penalty during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 quarter final match between Australia and France (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
Two years on, Vine’s return down under represents a homecoming for the Victoria-born star, as club chiefs celebrated pulling off a major coup to secure her signature ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
As City looks to make an impact in the AFC Women's Champions League this year, director of football Michael Petrillo spoke excitedly after luring a true household name to Melbourne.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Cortnee to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“To attract a player of Cortnee’s calibre back to Australia is a significant signing for our Club and reflects the environment and standards that have been built within our Women’s program.
“Her pace, directness and ability to threaten opposition defences will add another dimension to our attack, while she also brings valuable experience from representing the Matildas on the biggest stage and competing in one of the world’s strongest leagues.
“Cortnee knows what it takes to win in this competition and we’re delighted to add a player of her quality to our squad as we look to compete for more silverware both domestically and in Asia.”
Echoing these comments, Vine spoke enthusiastically about her return to Victoria.
“I’m really excited to be coming home and joining Melbourne City,” she said.
“I’ve watched what City has achieved over the last few seasons and the standards this group continues to set, so the opportunity to come into that environment and be part of a team competing for trophies was really exciting to me.
“My time in the NWSL has helped me grow both as a player and a person, and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences back to Australia.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, get out on the pitch and do everything I can to help bring more success to the Club.”
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