Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Brisbane Roar‘s Katrina Gorry, Western United‘s Jaclyn Sawicki, and head coach Mark Torcaso (18/8/22).
Above: Katrina Gorry, back in orange again for 2022/23. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Matildas star Katrina Gorry will return to Brisbane Roar for the 11th consecutive season, it was announced today.
Gorry started her pro career with Melbourne Victory in 2009, but has been with the Roar ever since.
Preparing for her return to Brisbane following the conclusion of the Swedish Damallsvenskan season with Vittsjo GK, Gorry spoke about what drew her back to Brisbane after time in Europe.
“I really enjoyed my season with Brisbane last year and for me Brisbane is home. To be playing in front of my family and friends for the club I’ve played for 10 years makes me so proud and honoured to be a part of this coming season.”
Throughout her decorated career, Gorry has amassed over 100 appearances for the Roar as well as winning two premierships, while also establishing herself as a regular for the Matildas in midfield, winning 78 caps for the national team.
She will have the opportunity to add to those caps next month, having been included in Tony Gustavsson’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Canada in Brisbane and Sydney.
In a globe-trotting career, Gorry has also played for clubs in Canada, America, and Denmark before her latest Swedish stint, an opportunity she took plenty of lessons from.
With an eye on next July’s World Cup on home soil, Gorry is eager to hit the ground running for the Roar.
“This season is definitely the most important one, leading into a World Cup at home it’s about showcasing our league and Australia as a whole to the rest of the world and also to our fans and supporters across the country. It’s definitely a very important season and I’m so glad I can be a part of it.”
Having taken on a leadership role with the Roar’s young squad last season, Gorry is looking forward to reuniting with many familiar faces when the side takes to the pitch for their pre-season.
“I’ve loved seeing the release of signings, last year was so enjoyable so knowing we’ll have so many players coming back, I know I’ll have the support I need for me and Harper. Personally, it was the most enjoyable season I’ve had with Brisbane, so I’m looking forward to get back with the coaching staff and my teammates and seeing who else has signed for us!”
Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson is putting together a strong-looking team so far as the Queenslanders look to improve on last season’s campaign and head back towards Finals football.
CONFIRMED BRISBANE ROAR SQUAD TO DATE:
Eash Norrie (Lions FC), Hollie Palmer (Capalaba FC), Shea Connors (APIA Leichhardt), Larissa Crummer (Capalaba FC), Sharn Freier (Moreton Bay United), Mariel Hecher (Lions FC), Holly McQueen (Lions FC), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GK)
Western United Land AFF Champions’ Sawicki
AFF Women’s Championship-winning Filipina midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki has become the second international player to join Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women squad.
The 29-year-old was a key member of the Philippines team, coached by Australian Alen Stajcic, that won the tournament for South-East Asian countries in July.
“I am beyond excited to join Western United in the inaugural season for the women’s side,” Sawicki said.
“I can’t wait to meet and begin working with the rest of the squad, and hopefully this group can set the tone and pave the way for those players who will come after us in this club.”
Sawicki is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in a country she has long admired.
“My mom and I have talked about going to Australia for years, literally,” she said. “We found out Australia was one of the hosting nations for the World Cup in 2023 and now, I am currently fighting for a roster spot.
“My first camp with the (Philippines) National Team was also in Australia and now I’m going to get settled in here leading up to the tournament so it is all just kind of a funny coincidence.
“I am confident that Western United will give me the platform to learn and grow as both a player and individual and hopefully, I’ll give my mom a reason to book a flight out this way for next year.”
Western United’s A-League Women Head Coach Mark Torcaso said he had been impressed by the Philippines team, with Sawicki standing out to him as a player he would love to work with.
“The development of the Philippines team under Alen Stajcic has been incredible in the last 12 months or so, and Jaclyn has been really impressive in that period,” he said.
“We’ve certainly taken notice and identified Jaclyn as someone that will bring a lot of quality into our midfield. With her big-game experience and the level she’s played at overseas, she’ll be a big part of our team and I can’t wait to work with her.”
Born in Canada to a Polish father and Filipina mother, Sawicki represented Canada at youth level and made one senior appearance in 2011 before changing allegiances to the Philippines.
With stints in Sweden, Japan, and Canada under her belt, Sawicki joins with a wealth of experience in international and domestic football.
Sawicki joins American attacker Hannah Keane as the first two international players to join Western United as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the season’s commencement in November.
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