Memories of 2016: Aussies excel abroad

Once again in 2016 Australian players scattered the globe in search of football in the W-League season and this year they returned with silverware.

From Asia to Europe and the United States, the Australians made their mark in overseas competitions with titles and individual awards.

Alanna Kennedy added to her trophy cabinet in 2016 with an NWSL Championship with the Western New York Flash.

It was Kennedy's first season abroad and while the defender took some time to adapt to the league, before long she was not only regular but a key part of the Flash's defence. Kennedy made 16 appearances including the semi final and championship match.

Kennedy became the second Australian to win the NWSL championship joining Katrina Gorry and adding to an increasing list of Australians to win trophies in the US.

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Other Aussies to shine in the NWSL included Sam Kerr who led Sky Blue FC in scoring, Hayley Raso who worked her way into a talented Portland Thorns side to assist them to the NWSL Shield (premiers) and Lydia Williams who picked up two Save of the Week wins and several nominations with Houston Dash.

A title was also claimed in Europe with Jenna McCormick winning the Icelandic Championship with Stjarnan FC. Like Kennedy, McCormick managed the feat in her first season abroad. After signing with the club, McCormick quickly cemented herself in the starting XI and helped them

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Further south, Elise Kellond-Knight has enjoyed a good start to her second year at Turbine Potsdam with the German club entering the winter break four points clear at the top of the Frauen Bundesliga. Kellond-Knight has more than made her contribution in the midfield including with some stunning free kicks.

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Meanwhile in Asia, Adelaide United striker Rachael Quigley had a stellar season in the Korean Women's League. After battling injuries in 2015, Quigley joined Hwacheon KSPO where she went on to prove a critical player.

With 13 goals in 2016 season, Quigley took out the W-K League Golden Boot in just her first season.

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