Melbourne City FC have signed Matildas defender Jessika Nash on a two-year deal, with the 21-year-old returning to Australia from Italian side U.S. Sassuolo Calcio.
One of Australia’s most promising young defenders, Nash joins City with significant domestic and overseas experience, as well as four senior international caps.
Nash made her professional debut with Canberra United in 2020 and went on to make 85 Ninja A-League appearances across five seasons.
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Jessika Nash of the Mariners poses after winning the A-League Women’s Grand Final
She helped Central Coast Mariners win the Championship in 2024/25 before earning a move to Italy’s Serie A Femminile with Sassuolo.
Nash also made her Matildas debut as a 17-year-old against the United States in 2021 and has since earned four senior caps.
Nash said she was excited to join City and continue her development in a successful environment.
“Melbourne City is a Club that has consistently set high standards and competed for trophies, so I’m really excited to be joining this group,” Nash said.
“The ambition of the Club, the quality within the squad and the opportunity to compete for silverware both in Australia and Asia were all big reasons why I wanted to come here.
“I’ve learned a lot from my experience overseas and I’m looking forward to bringing that back with me, continuing to develop my game and doing everything I can to help the Club achieve more success.”
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Jessika Nash in action during the Grand Final
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Her arrival strengthens City’s defensive unit as the reigning Premiers and Champions prepare to defend their domestic titles and compete in a third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Nash’s experience and potential made her an exciting addition to the squad.
“Jessika is a player we’ve admired for a long time, and we’re delighted to bring her to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“Despite only being 21, she’s already built an impressive résumé with significant A-League experience, a Championship, senior international football and a season competing in Italy.
“Jessika still has plenty of room to grow, and we believe our environment is the perfect place for her to continue developing while making an immediate contribution to our team.”
The arrival of Nash takes Melbourne City’s off-season recruitment tally to five following the arrivals of Cortnee Vine, Melina Ayres, Avaani Prakash and Taylor Ray.
Furthermore, first teamers Aideen Keane and Karly Roestbakken have both signed new contracts this season, joining Head Coach Michael Matricciani in committing themselves to the club.
Matricciani’s side have also offloaded plenty of players this season though, with Holly McNamara, Bryleeh Henry, Alexia Apostolakis, Laura Hughes, Ayana Aoyagi, Caitlin Karic, Chinaza Uchendu and Ellie Wilson all now seeking pastures new.
The reigning Premiers and Champions kick off their 2026/27 title defence with a Grand Final rematch against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on Sunday, October 18.
