Football Ferns midfielder Annalie Longo will finally realise a career-long ambition after signing with Wellington Phoenix for the upcoming A-League Women campaign.
It's the second time Longo has pledged to play with the Kiwi club, having agreed to join last year before suffering a serious knee injury as the campaign loomed.
After winning 131 caps for New Zealand - including at the recent Women's World Cup - she can now finally play competitive club football on home soil.
"As a little girl growing up, I always wanted to play professional football in New Zealand,” she said.
"I was a mad supporter last season.
"I was almost at every game doing the commentating or supporting the team and now to finally be signed, to be here and be part of the group, is special."
Longo has won titles with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
Wellington coach Paul Temple said Longo brought a winner's mentality into midfield, as well as high technical ability.
“She’s been known as the most technical player in the New Zealand environment for quite some time," he said.
"With the way we want to play this year, with a more technical game and a quicker passing game, she fits in every department.
"She’s going to be a brilliant person in the group as well.”
Wellington, in their third campaign, have made major changes under Temple as they look to avoid a third wooden spoon.
Attack-minded trio Milly Clegg, Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell have all left, and the Nix have brought in overseas talent for the first time, including Venezuelan striker Mariana Speckmaier.
Longo's signing all but completes the Phoenix's squad ahead of their October 15 opener at home to Melbourne City.
Temple needs just one more incoming, with a new goalkeeper required to replace injured captain Lily Alfeld.
The 28-year-old needs back surgery and will miss a second-straight campaign.
In other A-League transfer news, Melbourne Victory have added American defender Tori Hansen to their squad on a one-season loan from Orlando Pride.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX A-LEAGUE WOMEN'S SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Brianna Edwards
Defence: Mackenzie Barry, Hailey Davidson, Michaela Foster, Rebecca Lake, Zoe McMeeken, Kate Taylor, Marisa van der Meer
Midfield: Daisy Brazendale, Hope Breslin, Macey Fraser, Olivia Ingham, Chloe Knott, Annalie Longo, Grace Wisnewski, Alyssa Whinham
Attack: Kelli Brown, Manaia Elliott, Emma Main, Michaela Robertson, Mariana Speckmaier
