By Isabelle Campbell 1/9/25
Above: Taylor Ray for Australia. Photo: Football Australia
Taylor Ray, one of the A-League Women’s most accomplished and resilient players, has officially signed with Melbourne Victory following three back-to-back championships across two different clubs.
Though only 24, Ray brings with her an impressive record of success. In her eight seasons in the league, every club she has been part of has reached the Grand Final, highlighting her experience within consistently high-performing teams. It’s a remarkable streak and one that underlines exactly why Victory have moved to bring her in.
Arriving at Melbourne Victory as a gritty, hard-working midfielder who does the tough stuff exceptionally well. Known for her tenacity, discipline, and ability to win back possession, she brings the kind of edge Victory will need in a reshaped midfield.
A Career Marked by Strength and Determination
Ray made her A-League Women debut with Sydney FC in 2017 at just 16 years old. Over her time with the club, she worked her way into a key player role, becoming an integral part of Sydney’s dominant era. She was with the team as they reached six consecutive Grand Finals and secured three Championships.
Despite the extensive list of accolades, her journey has not been without challenges. Over six years, Ray suffered three ACL tears. She fought her way back from two of these to finally make her senior international debut for the Matildas against Spain in June 2022, a huge milestone after years of hard work.
However, the very next day in training, she suffered a third ACL rupture due to a contact injury. Once again, she rebuilt herself physically and mentally to return to professional football.
Her determination and mental toughness are now among her defining qualities, traits that Melbourne Victory will no doubt value alongside her on-field skills.
The Central Coast Chapter
Ray joined Central Coast Mariners ahead of their second season back in the league, 2024/25, quickly becoming beloved by fans and influential within the team. Though originally a midfielder, she found herself playing most of the season out of position as a centre-back, filling in due to squad injuries, and thriving. She went on to play every single minute of the regular season, anchoring the defence, organising play, and displaying the same intelligence and composure she’s become known for in midfield.
In the finals, she battled through an ankle injury sustained in the Elimination Final win over Canberra. After missing the first leg of the Semi-Final against Melbourne City, she returned for the second leg and then played the full 120 minutes of the Grand Final against Melbourne Victory, putting surgery on hold to see her team through to silverware.
The Mariners won on penalties, securing Ray’s fourth A-League Women Championship and her first with a new club after an already impressive three titles with Sydney FC.
At the 2024/25 Mariners Medal Dinner, Ray made a clean sweep of the individual honours, clinching Mariners Women’s Player of the Year, Fans’ Women’s Player of the Year as well as the Mariners Medal (Club MVP)
It was a season that confirmed what fans already knew, Taylor Ray is fast becoming one of the most valuable players in Australian football.
What She Brings to Victory
Melbourne Victory have recently seen the departures of three midfielders, fan favourite Alex Chidiac, young gun Alana Murphy, and USA-born Sara D’Appolonia, leaving important gaps in the squad. Ray’s signing is seen as a crucial addition to Melbourne Victory’s midfield, providing defensive solidity, sharp decision-making, and an undeniable winners mentality.
Her ability to play across midfield and also easily adapt to defensive roles means she can provide valuable flexibility, helping Victory to maintain balance and control in the middle of the park.
Naturally, one of the most newsworthy factors in this move is the fact that Ray helped the Mariners clinch the championship by defeating Melbourne Victory in the Grand Final. Now, she’s joining the club she once overcame, bringing invaluable experience and a champion’s mindset to Victory’s quest for silverware.
The Ultimate Competitor
Taylor Ray’s career to date is defined by success and perseverance. Though injuries have at times sidelined her, she has been part of teams that consistently reach the highest level. She’s overcome significant setbacks, adapted to new roles, and performed under pressure, proving herself a true champion and player to watch.
With the right environment at Victory and a strong, uninterrupted season, Ray could be in a position to begin to put herself back in the frame for national team consideration. The Matildas midfield is currently one of the more competitive areas to break into, but if she can stay fit and consistently perform at a high level, a return to the international stage isn’t out of the question.
Now that they’ve brought in the player who so recently helped defeat them, do Victory have all the right ingredients? What’s undeniable is Taylor Ray will be determined to continue her streak of Grand Final appearances in her ninth season.
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