Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond has joined the growing Australian contingent in the English Women's Super League after signing for West Ham United on loan.
Van Egmond moves to east London on loan from US NWSL side Orlando Pride subject to international clearance.
The 29-year-old from Newcastle, who has 97 caps, is a German Bundesliga and W-League Premiership winner with Melbourne CIty.
She joins Chelsea Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord of Arsenal and Bristol City's Chloe Logarzo in plying her trade in England.
"I am really excited to join West Ham United," van Egmond told whufc.com.
"I've heard only good things about this club. It's great to join this team in a league that is only getting more and more competitive.
I've heard only good things about this club.
EMILY VAN EGMOND
"I've heard the Women's Super League in England is definitely on the rise. You can see that in the signings that have come to England, so I'm really excited to be here and I'm excited for the challenge."
West Ham head coach Matt Beard is thrilled to add a player of Van Egmond's quality to his side ahead of the new campaign.
"I am delighted to bring Emily to West Ham United. In Emily, we have a versatile midfielder who has played for some of the world's very best teams and proved herself across the globe," Beard said. "I am excited for what she will add to our team and believe she will prove to be a great addition to the squad."
Meanwhile, Millie Bright's dipping strike has helped to clinch the Community Shield for Chelsea with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City as women's football resumed in England after a six-month absence.
"That is no accident," Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said of Bright.
"That is very well rehearsed by her."
The centre-back produced a moment of quality in the 66th minute from outside the penalty area after Australian striker Sam Kerr squandered several for the Super League champions.
"I think if you have got a striker who isn't creating chances, that's a concern," Hayes said.
"I think Sam has been outstanding in pre-season and I expect she'll be on the training pitch tomorrow working at finishing. But I'm not disappointed with anything in her game today."
The breakthrough came four minutes after City had Jill Scott sent off after a second yellow card.
Erin Cuthbert powered the second goal into the roof of the net in the second minute of stoppage time at Wembley Stadium where no fans could attend due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Community Shield was contested in the women's game for the first time in 12 years.
The new WSL season is due to start next weekend and the incomplete 2019-20 FA Cup is still due to be completed with both City and Chelsea among the quarter-finalists.
