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How Western United re-wrote the expansion blueprint all future A-League Women teams should follow

There were "no expectations" for Western United in its first A-League Women's season, but now it is a title contender. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)

When Melbourne City made its A-League Women debut back in 2015, its arrival was widely regarded as a "rising tide lifts all boats" moment for Australian women's football.

Backed by the deep pockets of the City Football Group, the club cast a wide net ahead of its first season, poaching some of the world's best players like Kim Little, Jess Fishlock, Jen Beattie, Steph Catley, Rebekah Stott, Laura Alleway, Aivi Luik, and Lisa De Vanna from other clubs to form a team of titans.

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