Hawkesby flies the nest to rejoin Sydney FC from the Seagulls

Mackenzie Hawkesby made her second debut for Sydney FC today after struggling to establish herself at Brighton. 

The Aussie ace, 23, switched to the South Coast from the A-League Women's side during the summer. 

But she did not make a single appearance in the Women's Super League, with her only outing for the Seagulls coming in a 3-0 win over Birmingham in the Conti Cup. 

And Brighton boss Melissa Phillips admitted the departure was in the best interests of both parties. 

She said: "Mackenzie has been very good to work with since joining us in the summer but she has struggled to establish herself in the team.

"It's an opportunity for Mackenzie to return to Sydney and play at the club she helped win the A-League title earlier this year, so we felt this move was right for all parties.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish her well for the future."

Midfielder Hawkesby made an immediate return to action with Sydney, starting the 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix. 

And she could not wait to be back on the pitch with the club she first joined in 2019.

Speaking before the league clash with Wellington, Hawkesby said: "I'm delighted and excited to be returning to Sydney FC and I am looking forward to getting some minutes under my belt.

"I can't wait to get started. There is a long way to go this season.

"We aren't even a third of the way through and I am thrilled I have a chance to make a big contribution to our final season position."

Sydney boss Ante Juric added: "Mackenzie has been one of the standout performers in the A-League over the past three or four seasons and we're very pleased to have her back on board.

"She has so much quality and it's a huge boost for our squad to have her ready to go for the rest of the season."