Brisbane Roar’s W-League side is taking shape as they announce former Golden Boot winner Larissa Crummer as their seventh confirmed squad member for the 2021/22 W-League season.
The 20-time Matilda was part of the Roar’s 2020/21 campaign making a return after a broken leg. The 25 year old enjoyed a spell with NPL Queensland side Capalaba FC, scoring nine goals in 11 games.
“I’m excited. Playing in front of family and friends is definitely one of the main reasons I’ve decided to come back. Obviously I wasn’t there for the whole of last season.” Crummer said.
“I don’t think Brisbane has ever really had a problem with people gelling or new people coming in. It’s quite a family-orientated team. That’s one of the main reasons I also wanted to come back to Brisbane.
“I got a taste of the W-League again and I’m really excited to be back.”
The re-signing follows a number of player announcements for the Roar’s W-League side, including the re-signing of W-League Young Footballer of the Year nominee Jamilla Rankin.
The 18 year old, announced last Thursday, returns to the Roar after a breakout season playing every game of the campaign leading up to the Finals Series.
“I was extremely grateful for the trust that was put in me last season,” Rankin said.
“I didn’t really expect so much to come from it – I was just thankful to get a contract.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my development and getting another season of experience under my belt.
“I think there will be opportunities for a lot of players to step up and I have full trust that we will perform.”
The club announced the re-signing of 24-year old goalkeeper Georgie Worth, after breaking into the side’s first XI last season.
Young Matildas midfielder star Hollie Palmer also signed for the Roar, where she started her top-flight career. Palmer re-joins the Roar after spending a season at Melbourne City.
Shea Connors also re-joins the Roar, after a prolific stint at NPL Queensland leaders Lions FC, scoring 30 goals.
Teenage defender Holly McQueen also re-signed for the Roar, after being promoted into the first-team toward the end of the 2020/21 W-League season.
Brazilian born Mariel Hecher returns for her second season for the Roar, after starting every game last campaign scoring four goals.
The squad announcements follow on from the announcement of Garrath McPherson as the Roar’s Head Coach.
The 38 year old previously spent three seasons as assistant to Mel Andreatta, including the Premiership winning 2017/18 campaign.
McPherson heads up the Queensland National Training Centre program and coaches the Queensland Academy of Sport side in the NPL Women’s competition.
“Excited is the first word that comes to mind,” said McPherson.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with players I’ve worked with previously, players who have come through our development systems and programs.
“It’s exciting for me to lead the next step in the Club’s mission, which is to give Queenslanders – whether they’re adopted Queenslanders or born and bred here – opportunities to play at the top level and continue progressing towards national team representation.”
