Victory release Barbieri

Barbieri moving on from Victory | TWG

The Melbourne Victory W-League team confirmed that they will not be re-signing Westifeld Matildas captain and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri for Season Four of the W-League.

“Melissa has been an amazing player at both State and National level, as well as an outstanding ambassador for the game,” said coach Vicki Linton in confirming the decision.

“While letting any player go is difficult, we also have to do what we feel is the right thing for Melbourne Victory as a team."

Barbieri's replacement well be 16 year old up and coming goalkeeper Brianna Davey. A Young Matilda, Davey replaced Barbieri during the middle of last season when the captain was unavailable. Those commendable performances have earned the praise of many including Linton.

"Going forward, we really believe it’s time for Brianna to step up to that ‘number one’ position,” she said.

“Brianna is an outstanding goalkeeper and, though she is still young at 16, plays well beyond her years and, importantly, has the potential to get even better as she matures,” said Linton.

“Anyone who has seen her play in the Under 16s, or who had the chance to see her play in the three W-League games she played for Victory last season at the age of only 15, will know what a talented and exciting player she is.”

The news was broken earlier by the former Victory captain on Twitter to the surprise of many considering the national team custodian had led Melbourne to their first finals appearance.

Following the news, Barbieri was quick to receive support from the football community.

In farewelling their former captain, Linton said Victory was delighted to have had such a successful relationship with her.

“She has been an enormous asset to Victory and I am sure she will continue to make an outstanding contribution to the sport in future,” Linton said.

“I wish her all the very best for the future.”

Barberi is currently in talks with other W-League sides to find a position for the season commencing on 22 October.