By Kieran Yap & Gethin Thurlow (4/9/25)
Above: Boughton unveiled at Hibs’ Easter Road stadium Photo: hibernianfc.co.uk
As she signs her first professional contract, Australia and UK editors Kieran Yap and Gethin Thurlow combine to look at what Boughton can bring to Hibernian, and the role she could play.
Milly Broughton has been almost a mainstay in the Young Matildas setup since her inclusion for the 2024 Asian Cup.
The former Tottenham and Arsenal youth team product is a versatile, dangerous forward who can play anywhere across a front three. Broughton is a composed finisher, a natural forward who’s positioning and speed around the penalty box can help her make the most of chances.
While Broughton has shown a lot of promise and is not short of determination, she has limited experience at senior club level. Regular competitive football is now an essential step in her development.
This is something Hibernian can give her. While the SWPL is a good, competitive level, it is an easier jump from U-21’s level than going straight up to the WSL is.
Despite Boughton’s attacking exploits, Hibs named the Aussie as a midfielder when introducing her. This does make sense given the gap in the team since attacking midfielder Michaela McAlonie departed for Southampton.
Within the 4-2-3-1 system employed by Hibs, that number 10 role is more connected to the front three than with the two defensive midfielders behind, so Boughton’s skills would still be useful in that position.
Young attacking forwards have been pretty much the only thing targeted in the transfer window by Grant Scott, so she could also be seen as added competition/depth to those attacking areas alongside fellow youngsters Tiree Burchill and Hannah Jordan.
Celtic were absolutely decimated by their Champions League qualification last year, so Hibs will be clearly aiming to avoid this. While their Champions league dream is over, the Europa Cup still presents as many midweek games as long as they keep progressing, so being able to rotate and manage the workload of those attacking players will be crucial.
Whether we see Boughton on the wing or in the midfield, she will be adding the final ingredient – regular minutes, to her development. Her progress with Hibs is worth following for any Matilda fans as she will look to breakthrough even more at national level.
This is very much a mutually beneficial transfer. Boughton gets the playing time she needs, and Hibs get her talent, which they hope can help them to another SWPL title and to cause some upsets in the Europa Cup.
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