Canberra United - Simone Charley

Arriving in Canberra fresh from her NWSL rookie season with the Portland Thorns, Simone Charley had an immediate impact. A brace inside 11 minutes on her W-League debut against Perth Glory set the foundation for a campaign where Charley would score five of United’s 13 goals.

The collegiate track and field athlete became known for her signature pace on the wing as she regularly penetrated opposition defences.

Her attractive style of play and humble disposition ensured she would become a fan favourite and go on to win Supporters’ Player of the Year at the club’s annual awards night.

Charley has returned to the USA, and when the 2020 NWSL season begins will be looking to build on her 11 appearances in 2019. Should Canberra be able to secure her signature for the 2020/21 season, she will return to Australia an even more accomplished and threatening prospect than she was last season.

Melbourne City - Ellie Carpenter

Melbourne City went undefeated in the 2019/20 season on their way to securing a record fourth W-League Championship.

Their star-studded squad featured the likes of Matildas Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond and Lydia Williams alongside international talents Claire Emslie and Milica Mijatović. Picking the stand-out player was no simple task.

It was Ellie Carpenter however, who elevated her game to another level on the way to securing the Championship Club’s Player of the Year award.

Utilised by coach Rado Vidošić as an attack-minded wing-back, Carpenter pushed further forward than is typical of her role at Portland Thorns or the Matildas. She relished the creative freedom, finishing the regular season with two goals and three assists. She came second to Steph Catley for total crosses.

Ellie Carpenter is quickly becoming a household name in Australian football, and with the exodus of talent to European leagues it is possible her signature will follow shortly. Melbourne City will be hoping she remains available for the W-League season and can help push the club on to even more success in the future.