The Newcastle Jets are ecstatic to announce the signing of striker Melina Ayres for the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season from Melbourne Victory.
Ayres has scored 30 goals in 84 appearances across all competitions with both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory and has previously represented the Junior and Young Matildas.
Originally from Murrumbeena in Melbourne’s east, Ayres started her footballing career by playing with Glen Eira Phoenix and then Eastern Lions.
She made her debut in the W-League for Melbourne City in 2015, coming on as a substitute and scoring in a 6-0 win against Sydney FC.
Ayres went on to win the 2017 W-League Grand Final. Coming on as a substitute against Perth Glory which resulted in a 2-0 win.
Melina has also had huge success at NPL level in Victoria, claiming back-to-back Women’s golden boot awards for 2016 (24 goals) and again in 2017 (40 goals).
From 2017 onwards, the star striker has played with Melbourne Victory where she has claimed a Premiership for the 2018/19 season. Ayres would then go on to win a Championship twice with the Victory in 2020/21 and again for the 2021/22 season. In 2022, Ayres tested herself abroad by playing with Breiðablik in Iceland’s first division.
Ayres is excited for the challenge ahead with the Newcastle Jets and is eager to get underway in Newcastle.
“I’m excited to join Newcastle Jets and link up with Gary van Egmond for a new phase of my career. This is a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth and success of the Jets A-League Women’s program.
I’m also anticipating enjoying life in Newcastle, finding the best surfing spots and embracing the football community in the Hunter region.”
