Football Ferns defender Claudia Bunge has ended speculation that she would head to Europe by re-signing with Melbourne Victory for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.
The dual A-League women’s champion returns for her third consecutive season at Victory with the New Zealand international looking to maintain her perfect record in the league with a third Championship.
Having developed as a youth footballer with Glenfield Rovers and the Northern Lights, Bunge (22) joined Victory in 2020 after making her full international debut in 2019.
Announcing the new contract, Melbourne Victory’s website said:
“Bunge was a crucial cog in Victory’s back-to-back Championships, making 27 appearances over her two seasons and has only missed regular season fixtures due to international duty.”
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, said Bunge has established herself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
“She has proven to be one of the most reliable defenders in the league, with her ability to read play and manage dangerous moments throughout a match.
“Her recent call-ups to the New Zealand national team side have been testament to her form domestically and we’re looking forward to that continuing in the league this season.”
Bunge said: “I’m excited to be re-joining the team and defending our back-to-back titles this season.
“We’ve been through so much as a group over the past two seasons at Melbourne Victory and I feel we have created a special environment here to achieve more success.”
Bunge is the Club’s third re-signing of the 2022/23 pre-season, joining Tiff Eliadis and Casey Dumont as well as new signings, Jesskia Nash, Miranda Templeman and Gema Simon.
Main photo: Claudia Bunge … a third season with Victory. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
More football stories
