Laini calls time on career

Above: Laini Freier battles for possession during her second stint with Moreton Bay United.

Laini Freier, the former Moreton Bay United player who made her Matildas’ debut this year, has retired from football.

The 24-year-old Redcliffe-born midfielder recently got married says the time is right to “move on from this chapter”.

Freier started at Pine Rivers United with twin sister Sharn before joining Moreton Bay United and winning the NPL Girls Under 15 Premiership in 2015.

After two years at The Gap, Laini and Sharn returned to Jets' senior side but suffered ACL injuries within weeks of each other in 2021.

They returned in late 2022, signed for Brisbane City in 2023 and helped them win the FQPL1 Premiership (with 21 wins in 21 games) in 2023.

The Pine Rivers State High School graduates starred as City won the NPL Women's double in 2024.

Laini joined Sharn as a professional at Roar in September 2024and made her the A-League making her debut in Wellington.

She scored seven goals in nine games and become the first player in the national competition to score back-to-back hat tricks.

It earned a call-up to the Matildas in February for the SheBelieves Cup in the US where she won her first Australia cap.

“I have been playing football since the age of 5 and feel like it’s time to move on with my life,” Freier said.

“I have just recently gotten married, built my house with my husband and want to focus more on my work career.

“I just want to be Sharn’s number one supporter wherever she goes, build my family life and spend my time with the ones I love.

"Football will always have the best memories for me but I’m ready to move on. Last year was by far the best year when it has come to my football.

“I signed my first professional contract with Brisbane Roar, had Sharn by my side and scored a back-to-back hat trick which I will never forget.

“It was an awesome moment and I had a dream come true to represent my country as well.”

Roar Head Coach Alex Smith said: “When I first joined the club, Laini was a player I immediately wanted to bring in as I knew how talented she is.”

“I am happy she got to excel in the A-League last year. Laini has a conviction on and off the pitch that I respect, and this decision is no different."