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After much speculation and rumours, Melbourne City have confirmed the signing of former Melbourne Victory captain Stephanie Catley.

Catley, who just days ago returned from the USA after an injury interrupted stint with the Portland Thorns, joined City's training session yesterday as Joe Montemurro put the high profile team through their paces.

The 21 year old defender joins teammates Lisa De Vanna, Brianna Davey and Beattie Goad in what can now only be described as an exodus from Melbourne Victory.

“It was a massive decision for me because I’d been at Victory for seven years,” said Catley in an interview with new W-League broadcaster Fox Sports.

“And for me to do that I needed to challenge myself and get myself out of my comfort zone.”

Since debuting in 2012, Catley has developed into one of the best fullbacks in the world with her performances at the recent FIFA Women's World Cup indicative of her rise.

The Victorians rise in international football has seen her a regular in one of the biggest women's football teams in the world and the first Australian woman as face of the new FIFA 16, alongside Socceroo Tim Cahill.

On the field, Catley is attempting to overcome an injury that sidelined her for most of her time at Portland, and prepare for the Matildas Olympic Qualification tournament in March 2016.

“I think for me as a player I’m at the stage in my career where I really need to use this year as a development year to grow my game."

“I think it’s always hard for a new team coming in to a league and I think it’s hard to find consistency right away,” she said commenting on her new team.

“But we’ve already got such a good base of players who are willing to work hard ... and everyone’s hungry.”

In their first season, City continue to build a title contending team with New Zealand international Rebekah Stott also landing in Australia to join the team.

A former Young Matilda, Stott has amassed over 40 matches for the Football Ferns and played all three matches at the recent World Cup in Canada.

The central defender will partner with Laura Alleway in what is now a formidable defensive line assembled.

“We’re very delighted to have Rebekah here," Montemurro said.

"She’s a fantastic footballer who can play anywhere at the back and in midfield and she has a fantastic attitude.”

Along with Catley and Stott, City have also picked up former Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper Trudy Burke and Perth Glory premiership winger Marianna Tabain.

Tabain will form part of a midfield that will have a number of strong internationals to complete a strong first season squad.

“Marianna has come off a stellar season at Perth. She is a fantastic midfielder who can play out wide, in the middle and is technically very good, which really fits the mantra of what we are trying to achieve here.”

Melbourne City will start their season away against perennial W-League powerhouse Sydney FC on 18 October 2015.