Sharn signs for German giants

Published 10:04am 22 January 2025

Words by Nick Crockford

Redcliffe-born Sharn Freier, whose career started in Moreton Bay region, has signed for Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in a club record deal.

The 23-year-old forward will leave Brisbane Roar and join the German giants at the end of the 2024-25 Ninja Women’s A-League season in late April or May.

She turned down interest from Italy last year, but felt this was the opportunity top take.

“They are a very successful club with class players, so to be given the opportunity to be a part of something like that, I am extremely grateful,” Freier said.

“This move will give me the opportunity to challenge myself and be a part of a full-time professional environment.

“I’m stoked for the next chapter and am looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting the team.”

Sharn Freier after making her Matildas debut against Mexico. Picture Football Australia

“My time at Brisbane Roar has definitely been such a highlight. Obviously, I signed my first contract with Brisbane and have been here ever since.”

“The staff and players I’ve worked with along the way have always been so supportive and the environment within the women’s program is something I’m definitely going to miss.”

“It’ll be sad to leave but Brisbane will always be home to me, and I’ll continue to support the girls and (twin sister) Laini moving forward.”

Freier started at Pine Rivers United with Laini, who is 24 minutes older, before joining Moreton Bay United (now Moreton City Excelsior).

There she won the NPL Under 15 title in 2016, joined The Gap and then Brisbane Roar, but in 2021 returned to Moreton Bay United as a senior.

Laini Freier, fifth from right back row, with the Moreton Bay United team which won the NPL Under 15 Premiership in 2016.

Freier suffered an ACL injury and was out for a year, but bounced back with Roar in 2022-23 playing 16 games. Last year she started all 22 games, with two goals and five assists.

The former Pine Rivers State High School student won Roar’s 2023-24 Player of the Year (Kate McShea Medal), Young Player of the Year, Player’s Player and Fans’ Player of the Year awards.

That form caught the eye of Matildas’ coaches. Last April she made her debut late in the game against Mexico and had her first start and goal in a pre-Olympic friendly against Canada.

After originally being an Olympic squad reserve, Freier replaced injured Tameka Yallop and made her Olympic debut in a 3-0 loss to Germany in Round 1.

Freier has two goals and four assists for Roar this season – three of those assists were for Laini, who has joined the A-League outfit.