Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from both Bryleeh Henry and Rhianna Pollicina plus Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic as City announce two key signings ahead of the new A-League Women season (22/9/22).
Above: Bryleeh Henry’s arrival is a big piece of business for Rado Vidosic’s club. Artwork: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City have made two big additions to their 2022/23 squad, starting with the news that 19-year-old Matildas forward, Bryleeh Henry has joined the club for the next two years.
Henry, who made her Matildas debut in October last year, arrives in Victoria after making 21 appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers across the last two seasons.
She also recently was part of the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, playing under Rado Vidosic who was the teams’ Assistant Coach. Henry started all three fixtures and got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win over Costa Rica.
Vidosic said that Henry will further add to the teams attacking depth and provide another exciting option on the pitch this season.
“We’re excited to be bringing one of the brightest young attackers in the country to our club for the next two years. She’s a player we’ve been following for a long time and she has always performed well when playing against us.
“Bryleeh has an enormous amount of potential and importantly, she’s also a good person whose values fit well within the culture of the group.”
Henry said she was “super excited” by the opportunity to join City and continue to work under Vidosic.
“Melbourne City’s one of the biggest clubs in Australia and having worked with Rado over the past couple of months and talking to him before that as well, I knew this was the best environment for me,” Henry said.
“Personally, I’m just hoping to have a good season and really grow to become the best player that I can possibly be. Under Rado and with a great group of girls around me, I think that’s something that’s really achievable.”
Pollicina Delighted To Re-Sign
The re-signing of Rhianna Pollicina is another piece of good news for Sky Blues fans. Pollicina enjoyed a breakout campaign in her first season at the club, starting in all 16 fixtures, and scoring seven goals.
That scoring record, including a midseason run of goals in four consecutive games – to finish equal sixth in the Golden Boot, while also passing off three further assists.
Pollicina was voted PFA Player of the Month by her peers in both January and February, while she also took out the Coaches Award at City’s Player of the Year night.
Head Coach Rado Vidosic said he was delighted to have Pollicina back at City for the new season. “Rhianna is a player we had high expectations for last season, and she was still able to exceed those.
“She brings a great energy to the group and helps set the standard for what’s expected both on the training pitch and on matchday. Rhianna’s consistency across last season brought stability to the team and we can’t wait to see her continue to work hard and go to another level in 2022/23.”
Pollicina herself said the professionalism at City made it an easy decision to return to Melbourne and continue to push for silverware after coming so close last season.
“I absolutely loved my first season with City. We had a great bunch of girls and coaching staff which led us to having a successful season on and off the field. This season I just want to keep improving and to be the best teammate I can, both on and off the pitch.
“As a team we want to build on last year and to continue to push for more success as a squad for the club and fans.”
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