By Alice de Koster-Kitto 30/10/2025
Above: Sarah Hunter. Photo: Sydney FC
“It feels no different to two years ago when I was here, when we were lifting the premiership.”
Sarah Hunter has signed with Sydney FC on a one-year deal, returning to the club after two years in the Première Ligue at Paris FC.
Hunter played for Sydney from 2022-23, as part of both the 2021-22 Premiership and the 2022-23 Championship winning sides. The 22-year-old midfielder took to the pitch a total of 37 times during her first run with Sydney, scoring 5 goals despite her defensive style of play.
During her first run with Sydney FC, Hunter helped carry the team to the 2021-22 Premiership, followed by the 2022/23 Championship, scoring in a 4-0 win over Western United.
“Looking back, Ante always said, when we’re in that year, this is so special, this team we’ve got, this streak we’re on is this group we’ve got is really special. And now looking back, you know, I can appreciate that more.”
“I love winning, I love lifting trophies”
Since Hunter’s departure, it has been a significant change in pace for Sydney FC, as they finished 8th on the ladder following a string of uncharacteristic losses last season. The young midfielders’ experience and adaptability could potentially be the missing piece that Sydney needs to reclaim their place as one of the Ninja A-League teams to beat.
“I’d love to be able to be able to help the team get back to that standard of success because I know we’ve definitely got, you know, got the players and the coaching staff to do that.”
Hunter made 14 appearances across competitions during her time at Paris FC, and called her experience “very much a learning curve”. Although not playing as consistently as she was during her time in the A-League, she now brings in unique European, specifically Champions League experience, back to Sydney FC.
“I learned so much. It’s crazy to look back. I’m still reflecting on the two years that I was there. It was a crazy experience, probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m very grateful to have had football-wise, personal life-wise,” said Hunter, reflecting on her time in Paris. “It’s been a great experience and I’m happy to be back and bring what I’ve learnt back here to Sydney.”
Along with her exciting club career, Hunter has spent significant time in the national setup, making her debut for the Young Matildas in a 5-1 win against New Zealand in 2022. She quickly went on to score against Singapore for Australia’s U23s AFC Women’s Championship campaign in the same year.
It didn’t take long for the young midfielder to grab the attention of the senior team, gaining her first call-up and debut in 2023, when captain Sam Kerr was out on injury following the World Cup. Hunter’s ability to settle into the midfield seamlessly allowed the attack to move forward and present a threat against Canada, in Kerr’s absence.
“I sort of just wanted to get home. Still training, still going to the gym, but didn’t have a specific club or didn’t have a sort of next step, and it sort of just fell into place.”
While making it back into the senior national team, and ultimately the Asian cup, isn’t a thought that’s lost on Hunter, her main focus is playing the best football she can for her club and enjoying each game for what it is.
“Whatever happens, they’ve got a great squad. Joe’s a great coach.”
Having experienced Sydney FC at its best, and coming back after a disappointing run, Hunter spoke highly of head coach Ante Juric and his ability to carry his team through both wins and losses, while getting the best out of every player.
“He’s such a great leader, and I’m really motivated by him. He always pushes you to be the best you can be.”
“I think we have a bit of confidence, but, you know, it’s just fun. I’m just enjoying it. So there’s no pressure when you’re having fun and you want to play, and then I think good things happen from them.”
Sydney FC is set to kick off its 2025/26 Ninja A-League season at home, in a tough clash against Melbourne City this weekend. While the team will be looking to get the momentum for the rest of the season going quickly, and reclaim their dominance over the opposition, after a hard run last season, Hunter is focused on enjoying her football and taking each day and match as it comes.
“We haven’t really focused much on the City. Obviously, a few tactical things. In the last week, but we’re pretty focused on ourselves,” said the midfielder, adding, “it’s the first game of the season, so you want to build a solid foundation for the rest of the season, and then just bring in little things.”
There are high expectations put on Hunter upon her return, having won player of the year in her final season with the club before the European switch, but the pressure hasn’t gotten to her, saying, “I don’t feel any pressure. Pressure comes more from wanting to represent the club well.”
“It’s been a great experience and I’m happy to be back and bring what I’ve learnt back here to Sydney.”
Beyond that pressure, the expectations, the wins and losses, Sarah Hunter’s main goal for this upcoming season is to enjoy her football, and do what she can to get Sydney FC back to the winning club she knows it can be again.
“It feels quite natural,” said Hunter on her return, “it’s just sort of happened really nicely and meant to be in a way.”
Follow Impetus on social media:
@ImpetusFootball on X, Instagram and TikTok.
impetusfootball.org 