Words by Nick Crockford
Sharn Freier, the former Pine Rivers and Moreton Bay United player, has been called into the Matildas squad for the first time.
Now at Brisbane Roar, Freier will fly to Texas with the Australian women’s squad for a training camp and friendly international against Mexico on April 10.
It is reward for two year’s hard work since a serious ACL injury - and a standout season in the A-League Women with three goals and five assists.
Entering the final A-League round, 22-year-old Freier led the competition in key chances created and was third in overall chances created.
She joins Cortnee Vine, who grew up in
Mango Hill and played for Peninsula Power, and ex-Redcliffe High School student Teagan Micah, on the flight to the US.
In an interview with Roar, following-her call-up, Freier said “it’s a huge honour” to be selected by the Matildas.
“It’s something I have always wanted to do and always strived for. To be able to get this call-up is exciting and pretty special.
“I feel like I’ve been working hard the last couple of years and confidence has been growing.”
The forward grew up in Moreton Bay and started her football career at Pine Rivers United with twin sister Laini, who is older by 24 minutes.
Both were in the Moreton Bay United (now Moreton City Excelsior since merging with Albany Creek Excelsior) girls’ team which won the NPL Under 15 title in 2016.
Also in that team was Indiah Paige-Riley who started at The Lakes, joined Moreton Bay, then Roar, Danish side Fortuna Hjorring and is now with PSV Vrouwen in the top Dutch women's league.
Paige-Riley, also 22, won one cap for the Matildas before choosing to play for the country of her birth New Zealand.
Sharn Freier joined the Roar and won the 2018 NPLW Grand Final, scoring the only goal from a through ball by sister Laini.
Then it was back to Moreton Bay United’s senior women, after the A-League season, to play in the QLD NPLW. Freier has also played for The Gap and Brisbane City.
The CommBank Matildas match against Mexico (kick-off 7am in San Antonio) is on Paramount ANZ, at 10am AEST, Wednesday April 10.
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