Minto striker Leena Khamis opens scoring during Syney FC's 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory

SYDNEY FC begin W-League title defence in style with 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory.

Blues are all smiles after win

SYDNEY FC kicked off their W-League title defence in style as Minto striker Leena Khamis opened the scoring during their 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory.

The Sky Blues defeated Melbourne 3-1 in last season's grand final and were again smiling after the rematch at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.

Khamis, sister of substitute goalkeeper Sham, drew Sydney FC level in the 17th minute when she slotted home a well-placed corner.

The Sky Blues then dominated the remainder of the match and scored four goals through a Nicole Bolger brace and strikes from Jodie Taylor and Emma Kete.

Sydney is in first place on goal difference ahead of Perth Glory and Canberra.

Khamis, 27, returned to the Sky Blues side after missing last season with a knee injury.

Khamis said in a pre-season interview the injury had motivated her.

"It's feels like I'm 14 again," she said. "I am loving going to training and having the injury last year has made me hungrier than ever."

The former Matildas player said she wanted to return to the national side.

"Firstly I just want to get my slot in the Sydney FC starting 11 back and obviously I wouldn't mind scoring a goal or two," she said.

"I don't want to set targets too high but f I can get a good season under my belt, I'd like to work myself back into that squad as well."

Despite former Sky Blues and Macarthur region residents Heather Garriock, Michelle Carney and Alanna Kennedy joining cross-town rivals the Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC still has several local heroes.

They include the Khamis sisters, of Minto, as well as Camden midfielder Elizabeth Ralston and Macarthur Chronicle Junior Sports Star Amy Harrison, of Kearns.