Melbourne City has secured the services of influential Welsh international Jess Fishlock for a third straight campaign.

The 30-year-old returns following another season with Seattle Reign in NWSL.

Fishlock has been a crucial part of all of City’s successes, including scoring the opening goal in last season’s grand final win over Perth Glory.

With 25 appearances and 10 goals in City colours, Fishlock is delighted to be returning for another season and ready to challenge for even more silverware.

“I’m really excited to be back here in Melbourne. I’ve been at City from the very beginning and to have been part of the success we have achieved, and to see the progress we have made is something that makes me not only proud, but extremely motivated to achieve more.”

She was pivotal in last season’s triumph, particularly through her role as player/coach in the latter stages of the campaign.

She will continue coaching in an assistant role, working alongside the recently appointed Patrick Kisnorbo.

“City provides the perfect environment for me to continue my development as both a player and a coach. The people I have met here and the opportunities I have been given by the City Football Group have really made an impact on me.”

Kisnorbo spoke of highly of Fishlock as a member of both the playing group and the coaching staff.

“Jess has demonstrated during her time at City that she is a natural born leader both on and off the field. She has been an instrumental part of the success we have achieved in the past two seasons and I am looking forward to working with her again this season.”

Fishlock is City’s seventh signing and joins the likes of Kyah Simon, Amy Jackson, Rhali Dobson, Hayley Richmond, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Sofia Sakalis in city blue.

Melbourne City opens its season with a grand final rematch against Perth Glory on 27 October 2017. 