The FFA today announced that the W-League will have a ninth team with Melbourne City to field a side from the 2015/16 season.   

“Melbourne City’s commitment to join the Westfield W-League for the 2015/16 season is a good step forward for the development of Women’s Football, which was identified as a key priority for the future of our game,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.

“It is one of the first practical measures in improving elite women’s football in Australia and offers another group of talented female footballers the opportunity to develop their games and strive towards a career as a football player.

“It is also a strong commitment from one of our Hyundai A-League clubs to the Whole of Football Plan’s One Club model with the aim of one day having clubs competing in the A-League and W-League to establish strong links between men’s and women’s football.” 

Melbourne City FC CEO Scott Munn said that the Club had been in consultation with FFA over the past 12 months regarding the introduction of a W-League side. 

“This is a very exciting moment for Melbourne City FC,” Munn said. “It has always been our ambition to have a women’s team and our acceptance into the W-League for next season is the culmination of a lot of hard work.

“Increasing women’s participation in football is vital for the game’s growth in the future and we are looking forward to our season commencing later this year.”

Melbourne City's arrival in the W-League market will now see two derbies available with the rivalry already commencing with the announcement of former Melbourne Victory coach Joe Montemurro as City's coach.

Former Victory midfielder Louisa Bisby will also be a part of the management team as the Team Manager.

If rumours are to believed, City have already commenced their player recruitment drive and, if it is similar to the City brand's entry into the English FA WSL, there will be little surprise if several big name Australian players are recruited from other clubs.

The alignment with Manchester City in England also throws up the possibility of a sister club arrangement with several big name English players to play in Australia during their off-season.

The W-League draw will be released after the Women's World Cup.