The Matildas have had an epic three months starting with the Tournament of Nations trophy that featured an historic win over the USA, then victories against Brazil infront of sell-out crowds in Newcastle and Penrith.

The on-field achievements coincides with a landmark collective bargaining agreement that will see W-League players receive significant pay increases, and Catley emphasised the need for the domestic competition to build on that success.

“It’s extremely important,” she said at the 2017-18 W-League launch.

“We’ve attracted a lot of good players to the league this year and from what we’ve done on the international stage.

“It’s going to be a really strong league and all the teams have recruited very well, there is a lot of momentum with the Matildas so the W-League is looking really strong this year and I am excited to be a part of it.”

Catley has spent the last six months playing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) where her team Orlando Pride finished in third place.

Several Matildas play in leagues across Europe, Asia and the USA and the 23-year-old said that exposure will benefit Australia heading into next year’s Asian Cup which doubles as 2019 World Cup qualifiers.

“That’s massive," she said. “The Asian Cup is so important at the moment with how well we are doing.

“We need to qualify for the World Cup so the Asian Cup is the most important thing on the calendar in the next year.

“Having everybody playing in a professional league is so important in getting game time and playing together.

“There are lots of Matildas that are playing in the same team and working on partnerships and that allows them to remember combinations and plays that they need for the national team.

“The W-League is also looking so strong and I couldn’t think of playing anywhere better in terms of preparation.

"It already feels like it it’s more professional and I feel like the teams are organised earlier and got amazing players in their rosters nice and early.”

Catley’s Orlando Pride teammate Allana Kennedy will be joining her at Melbourne City along fellow Matilda Kyah Simon and the exciting right back believes City can make it three W-League Championships in a row.

“The girls have been in pre-season for six weeks already and everyone is looking good and feeling sharp and strong,” she said.

“It’s strange position to be the hunted but there is a lot of good teams in the league this year so it’s just going to come down to whoever is the best performed this season

“We are starting a new season with a brand-new team and obviously we have our coach Patrick Kisnorbo from the start which is nice as we had a few chops and changes late year which wasn’t ideal.

“For me coming home and being able to play in my home state it’s so, so special. I love playing for Melbourne City.”