Kim Little, the star of Melbourne City's W-League grand final success, won't be back to help defend the club's hard-earned title.
Little won the player of the match award in Sunday's 4-1 grand final triumph at AAMI Park for a masterful attacking display.
The 25-year-old set up Jen Beattie for the opening goal before curling home a fine free kick herself to put City 2-0 up.
In injury-time, Little released Lisa De Vanna to score the game's final goal - showing the Scot's commitment to finishing off the job.
It comes as a shame then that Little won't be back for City's second season.
"It was always a one-season thing," she said.
"I wanted to experience Australia, experience the league here and have a different opportunity.
"I go back to (US club) Seattle in March and I have other priorities come October."
Little said she was proud of her role in setting up the foundation club for success in their debut year.
"Melbourne City are a club that's raised the bar here in Australia especially," she said.
"The club environment, the facilities, the coaching staff, everything around us was so elite and professional.
"I played for Arsenal and in America with Seattle, (City) is up there with the highest quality.
"I've had a great time here."
Little shared a light-hearted moment with Welsh star Jess Fishlock before scoring her free kick.
Fishlock requested a rock-paper-scissors with Little, the club's usual free-kick taker,
Little obliged.
"We've done that once before in Seattle," she said.
"Normally I take them ... because I'm on set pieces, she has to win to get me off it."
Both women threw the scissors, leaving Little free to send the set piece sailing into the corner.
Share
