heartPhoto: Victory become 6th team to come under A-League control (Credit: Emily Mogic Photography)

Immediate effectively, the Melbourne Victory A-League team have taken full operational control of the Victory W-League team.

Following a board meeting on Wednesday of the Victory A-League, the administration of the team will move from Football Federation Victoria (state body) - who have managed the team for seven seasons - to the Victory.

In making the announcement, Melbourne Victory Chief Executive Ian Robson said the integration of the W-League team into the club’s whole-of-football environment was a positive step forward.

“The prominence of women’s football is growing all the time and we are thrilled to be able to bring the team under our care and help to further enhance the profile of the Melbourne Victory players and women’s football in general,” Robson said.

“Given our commitment to the development of players within our elite football program at all levels, we believe the decision to manage the W-League team operation is a pivotal one for the club."

The move follows an off-season of uncertainty relating to the operational management of the side and resulting in significant player movement from Victory to new rivals Melbourne City.

With this development, the Victory become the 6th W-League side to come under the full umbrella of the A-League side leaving only Adelaide, Newcastle and Canberra (who don't have an affiliate A-League side) run by state federations.

“I would like to express our sincere thanks to Football Federation Victoria for our working relationship, the manner in which they have managed the team operations and also grown the identity of Melbourne Victory’s W-League team since 2008."

15 days out from the season kick off, Victory are behind the eight ball with the team yet to officially announce any players.

In the coaching stakes, championship coach Dave Edmondson has been confirmed as the new coach while the team is anticipated to have a youthful feel after the departure of many stalwarts and foundation players.

“It is also wonderful to welcome Dave Edmondson back as head coach. Dave was at the helm for the successful W-League Championship campaign in 2013/14 and in conjunction with Dave, we look forward to announcing our 2015/16 squad shortly.”

One foundation player believed to be making a return is newly retired Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri. Barbieri played two seasons for Victory - including their inaugural season - winning Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2008/09 season.

Barbieri is joined by American Christine Nairn from the NWSL.

The midfielder is back after a strong season for Victory helping them to the finals before the Melbourne bowed out via penalty shoot-out against eventual champions Canberra United.

Nairn, 25, appeared in all 20 regular-season matches for the Washington Spirit, including 19 starts, five goals and four assists.

The club will announce the squad on Monday, 5 October and Melbourne commence their season at home on 17 October 2015 against Season 7 premiers Perth Glory.