New Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins has named several members of the 2016/17 W-League squad with a Victorian influence running through the side.

On Friday the Victory confirmed the bulk of their squad with several young Victorians and seasoned W-League campaigners among the names.

At the head of the list is Victory Women's Medal winner Annabel Martin.  The 17 year old was the youngest member of the Victory defence in Season 8 and played every single minute of their campaign.

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With the Victory defence set to undertake several changes with the ACL injury to goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and question marks about the return of Thea Slatyer, the Young Matildas defender and young central defender Alexandra Natoli may be called upon to play a big role once again in Season 9.

The same could be said for Victory Young Player of the Year MelindaJ Barbieri.  The midfielder was one of the bright spots for Melbourne last season with the 15 year old becoming the fifth-youngest player in W-League history to get on the scoresheet.

She will be joined in the midfield by twins Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Gulcan Koca and former Matilda Selin Kurulay, with both Koca and Kurulay return after an injury interrupted Season 8.  Meanwhile up front long time Victory striker Laura Spiranovic (also returning from a Season 8 ending injury) will be joined by the returning Natasha Dowie.

Dowie returns to the Victory after making an impact in her 5 match guest appearance at the end of Season 8 with the former Liverpool striker scoring 2 goals including a Goal of the Year contender.

A proven goalscorer, Dowie will be the key focal point for the forward line who has lost Hayley Raso (Canberra United).  Capped 14 times for England, the former international comes off a stint in the NWSL with the Boston Breakers, where she netted 3 goals in 7 matches.

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The first of four possible internationals, Dowie has already arrived in Melbourne.  Victory are still negotiating with several internationals including key midfielder Christine Nairn who recently played in the NWSL Championship match with Washington Spirit.

Of the new faces to Victory Hopkins has also managed to lure across former Brisbane Roar charge Ayesha Norrie with the former Young Matilda set to take up defensive midfield duties, while the Victorian NPL is represented through Bulleen Lions winger Lia Privitelli and Calder United forward Rachel Alonso while South Melbourne defender Alex Cheal is rewarded for her strong season with a call up.

https://twitter.com/FCBulleenLions/status/787797530650083328

Melbourne Victory commence their season on 6 November 2016 on the road to Adelaide United.