Brisbane Roar has secured another determined young talent for its A-League Women’s squad with the signing of defender Annabel Haffenden.
The 19-year-old, who has family ties to Queensland, joins from Victorian side Alamein FC, having previously spent time training with Melbourne City.
The move brings her closer to family members based on the north side of Brisbane and gives the former National Training Centre (NTC) player a chance to establish herself at the top level.
“I’m super excited to have signed my first professional contract with Brisbane Roar,” Haffenden said.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity Garrath [McPherson] has given me and I can’t wait to get started and meet my new team-mates.”
Haffenden featured in every game for Alamein and chipped in with three goals before the NPL Victoria season shutdown.
“I played for Alamein under Kat Smith this season and that’s been a really great experience for me,” she said. “I feel like I’ve developed a lot under her this year.
I’m looking forward to taking that next step up and I can’t wait for the challenge.
“I’m quite competitive. One of my strengths is my physical capacity. I just want to work really hard for the team and give as much as I can.”
Head Coach McPherson said he was looking forward to seeing Haffenden show her ability on the A-League Women’s stage.
“Annie has been through the elite youth pathways in Australia and is ready to take the next step in her football,” McPherson said.
“She has been around national league environments in recent years down south and we are thrilled that we have been able to bring her to Queensland.
“She is a powerful, explosive defender who has shown an incredible commitment to relocate so she can represent Brisbane Roar this season.
“Annie has had wonderful mentorship in Victoria this past two years and I am excited to be able to continue to support her football development in the upcoming A-League Women’s season.”
