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Redcliffe’s own Sharn Freier has returned to familiar territory, rejoining Brisbane Roar on loan from German powerhouse VfL Wolfsburg for the upcoming 2025-26 Ninja A-League Women season.
The 24-year-old striker, who grew up in the Moreton Bay region and attended Pine Rivers State High School, will pull on the orange jersey once again after an impressive European adventure that saw her establish herself as a regular in the Australian national team.
Freier’s journey from local football fields to international recognition has been remarkable. Starting her career at Pine Rivers United alongside her twin sister Laini, she progressed through the ranks at Moreton Bay United (now known as Moreton City Excelsior) before making her mark with Brisbane Roar.
Her breakthrough came during the 2023-24 season, where she featured in all 22 matches for the Roar, primarily operating from the left wing position. That campaign yielded two goals and five assists, performances that caught the attention of national team selectors and earned her a maiden call-up to the Matildas.
Since making her international debut against Mexico in April 2024, Freier has accumulated nine caps for Australia and found the net twice. Her international career includes appearances at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking her as one of the rising stars in Australian women’s football.
The forward’s European experience at VfL Wolfsburg, where she signed in January 2025, has added another dimension to her game. The German club noted her usual deployment on the left flank and her Olympic tournament experience when announcing her arrival.
Brisbane Roar head coach Alex Smith expressed his delight at securing Freier’s return, highlighting her ability to take on defenders and create opportunities as qualities that align with the club’s playing philosophy. The coach emphasised how her skillset resonates with the Roar faithful and fits perfectly with their tactical approach.
For Freier, the homecoming represents more than just a football decision. Having started her journey at Pine Rivers United before moving through various local clubs including The Gap FC, her connection to the Brisbane football community runs deep.
The 2024-25 season was cut short for Freier due to an ankle injury that limited her to 11 appearances, during which she managed two goals and four assists. The injury also ruled her out of international fixtures including the SheBelieves Cup and friendlies against South Korea.
Her twin sister Laini, who is 24 minutes older and followed a similar career path, recently announced her retirement from professional football after also earning her first Matildas cap this year. Laini cited her recent marriage as a factor in her decision to move on from competitive football.
The 2025-26 A-League Women season is scheduled to commence on 31 October 2025, giving Freier time to fully recover from her injury and prepare for another campaign with her hometown club.
Freier’s return adds significant attacking firepower to Brisbane Roar’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. With her combination of local knowledge, international experience, and European exposure, she represents exactly the type of player who can make an impact in the A-League Women competition.
The loan arrangement with VfL Wolfsburg provides Brisbane Roar with a proven performer while allowing Freier to continue her development in familiar surroundings. For the local football community, particularly in the Redcliffe and Moreton Bay areas, her homecoming serves as an inspiring example of how talent can flourish from grassroots beginnings to the world stage.
Published 18-September-2025
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