Redcliffe’s Very Own Sharn Freier Takes on Europe

Twenty-three-year-old Redcliffe-born Sharn Frierer has secured a landmark move to VfL Wolfsburg, marking one of the most significant transfers in Australian women’s football history.


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Peninsula Pride Sharn Freier

Born in Redcliffe, Freier’s meteoric rise is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the region’s sporting heritage. Her football journey began in the Moreton Bay region with Pine Rivers United, before making her mark at Moreton Bay United where she claimed the NPL U15s title in 2016.

After a stint with The Gap FC and Brisbane Roar, Freier returned to her roots in 2021, rejoining Moreton Bay United as a senior player. This homecoming proved crucial in her development, despite facing an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for a year. True to her Peninsula spirit, she bounced back stronger than ever.

“Brisbane will always be home to me,” Freier reflects, acknowledging her roots while preparing for her next chapter.

While preparing for her European adventure, Freier continues to shine in the A-League, where she plays alongside her twin sister Laini. This season has already yielded two goals and four assists, with three of those assists setting up goals for her sister, maintaining the connection that began on Moreton Bay’s local pitches.

Breaking New Ground

The move to Wolfsburg, which will take effect after the current A-League season, comes with a club-record transfer fee for Brisbane Roar. Freier’s contract, extending until June 2028, places her among Europe’s elite at one of Germany’s most successful women’s football clubs.

“This move will give me the opportunity to challenge myself and be part of a full-time professional environment,” says Freier, who turned down interest from Italian clubs last year to wait for the right opportunity.

The past year has been extraordinary for the Pine Rivers State High School alumna. After making her Matildas debut against Mexico last April, Freier quickly established herself in the national setup, scoring her first international goal in a pre-Olympic friendly against Canada. Her Olympic journey took her from reserve status to a debut against Germany—ironically, her future footballing home.


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As Sharn Frierer prepares for her final months with Brisbane Roar before departing for Germany, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Peninsula footballers.

Published 23-January-2025

‘I’ll Return Stronger’: World Cup Hero Cortnee Vine Takes Mental Health Break

Local World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who first made her mark at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power, has announced she will step away from soccer to focus on her mental health.


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Cortnee Vine takes a break from whirlwind success

The 26-year-old, who became a household name after scoring the winning penalty in Australia’s quarter-final victory over France during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, has experienced a dramatic transformation in her career since her early days at Peninsula Power.

“I’m sure many people can appreciate that my life has changed dramatically over the past two years,” Vine said in a statement released by her management on 15 November. “Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I’ve discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.”

Vine Time goes global

Following a successful four-year stint with Sydney FC, Vine made a significant career move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club North Carolina Courage in June. Despite scoring one goal in five appearances and participating in the team’s recent playoff campaign, the Redcliffe star has chosen to take time away from the sport.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni confirmed Vine’s unavailability for the upcoming international window, which includes four home matches against Brazil and Taiwan. “Cortnee has chosen, at this stage, not to be considered to be selected,” Sermanni said. “We’ve had a chat before the last window and had a chat within the last week. She’s good but just not available for these upcoming games.”

Matildas at home

For supporters hoping to see the Matildas in action, the team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on 26 November, with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.

The national team will then compete in four home internationals:
November 28: vs Brazil (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
December 1: vs Brazil (Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast)
December 4: vs Taiwan (AAMI Park, Melbourne)
December 7: vs Taiwan (GMHBA Stadium, Geelong)


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Despite the current challenges, Redcliffe’s World Cup hero remains optimistic about her return. “Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance,” she said. “I truly appreciate everyone’s support and concern, and I’m confident I’ll return stronger than ever.”

Published 25-November-2024

Vine Time Immortalised: Cortnee Vine’s Historic Penalty Honoured in Bronze

Peninsula Power FC standout Cortnee Vine has been forever etched into Australian sporting history with a stunning new mural at Suncorp Stadium alongside the Matildas. Unveiled on Tuesday, the artwork celebrates the team’s unprecedented success and their impact on Australian sport.


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Cortnee Vine, Matildas immortalised

Located at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the 5.5m-long and 2.1m-wide bronze bas-relief depicts one of the most significant moments in Australian soccer history. The mural captures the Matildas’ jubilant celebration following Cortnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France, the moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.

Matildas star Tameka Yallop expressed her appreciation for the tribute. “It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.

“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”

From Redcliffe to the world stage

Cortnee Vine’s rise from Redcliffe to World Cup stardom has inspired young athletes across the region. Following her World Cup heroics Vine returned to Sydney FC for a fourth season, where she dominated with 10 goals and 6 assists. Averaging 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes, she quickly caught the attention of international scouts.

In June, Vine secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking her debut on the international club stage. Her impact was immediate; she scored her first NWSL goal during her Courage home debut on 1 September, helping secure a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.


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Inspiring future generations

This mural complements the existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.

It represents a significant step towards greater recognition of women’s contributions to Australian sport. For generations to come, the mural will inspire young athletes to dream big and chase their goals, just like Cortnee.

Published 27-September-2024

Matildas vs Germany: Cortnee Vine Debuts in the Olympics as Tillies Face Setback

Former Redcliffe PCYC standout Cortnee Vine made her Olympic debut for the Matildas in their Paris 2024 opening match on Friday, 26 July. Despite Vine’s 58-minute contribution, Matildas vs Germany finished 0-3 at Marseille Stadium. Redcliffe State High School alumna Teagan Micah was also on the bench for the match.

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Matildas vs Germany

Germany’s victory came through goals from Marina Hegering (24’), Lea Schuller (64’), and Jule Brand (68’). The German side demonstrated a solid set-piece strategy, limiting the Matildas’ opportunities throughout the match and scoring two of their own via corners.

Despite equal possession, Germany outshot Australia significantly, putting 4 of 17 attempts on target compared to the Tillies’ 2 of 8.

Redcliffe PCYC’s Cortnee Vine featured in the match, playing for 58 minutes before being substituted. The Victoria-born winger, who recently secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, showed flashes of the form that saw her contribute 10 goals and 6 assists for Sydney FC last season—averaging a whopping 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Teagan Micah sat behind Matildas regular Mackenzie Arnold. The Redcliffe State High School alumna is fresh off a season with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League where she maintained three clean sheets in seven appearances.

Olympics outlook

The 3-0 loss places Australia in a challenging position early in the tournament. Australia’s next match is on Monday, 29 July against Zambia, followed by their final group stage game against the powerhouse USA on Thursday, 1 August. Both matches are scheduled at 3:00 a.m. AEST.

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The top two teams in each of the three groups alongside the two best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts. Given this format, goal difference could prove crucial in determining the final group standings.

Published 26-July-2024

Local Youth Star and World Cup Heroine Cortnee Vine Stays Loyal to Domestic Football

The incredible journey of Cortnee Vine has taken her from the youth ranks of Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC to World Cup stardom. But despite her international fame at this year’s World Cup, the local junior star has decided to remain with Sydney FC and continue to promote the domestic game.



Humble beginnings with Peninsula Power FC

Long before she became a national heroine, Cortnee Vine was just an eager young player developing her skills at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC. Vine first joined the club as a 12-year-old in 2010, playing for coach Garry Dye’s U-12 girls’ side.

Dye recalls that the lanky Vine arrived blessed with great athleticism but little technical prowess. Her blistering pace, however, stood out. Dye worked to hone her skills and she soon became one of the youth team’s top strikers. Vine often played against boys’ teams in higher divisions to test herself.

World Cup journey

Cortnee Vine
Cortnee Vine scored the decisive penalty that sent Australia to a historic semi-final berth in the World Cup. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Vine’s dedication and constant improvement paid off, eventually earning her selection for the Matildas. Earlier this year, she led her professional club Sydney FC to the A-League championship with 15 goal contributions in 18 games.

After being named in Australia’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vine started the opening matches, bringing her trademark speed and finishing ability to the Matildas attack. However, a defeat to Nigeria in the group stage prompted head coach Tony Gustavsson to change tactics and switch formations. As a result, Vine lost her place in the first XI.

But the team player embraced her new role as a super-sub. Coming on as a substitute against the likes of Denmark and Canada, Vine provided fresh legs and energy . This team-first mentality was rewarded in the tense quarter-final against France – with her scoring the decisive penalty to send Australia to their first Women’s World Cup semi-final. Her composure in the high-stakes moment showed her maturity on the world stage.

The journey may have ended in the semis, but Vine left her mark on the tournament. For the girl who started out chasing a ball in Redcliffe, it has been a long but rewarding road to World Cup glory.



Cortnee Vine returns to Sydney FC

Despite gaining recognition that could open doors at elite European clubs, Cortnee Vine has re-signed with Sydney FC for a fourth consecutive season. The Matildas’ run has already had an impact on membership, with Sydney FC’s women’s team enjoying record sales. The World Cup buzz has fans eager to see the World Cup heroine back on home soil.

Keeping such a prominent talent in the Australian league is an important step in energising the domestic game. The effects of an invigorating World Cup are already being felt, but Vine’s star power will help keep the momentum going next season.

Published 31 August 2023

Teagan Micah Takes Next Step with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League

Liverpool FC Women have signed Redcliffe State High School alumna and Australian international goalkeeper Teagan Micah to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2023-24 English Women’s Super League (WSL) season. The 25-year-old will now be tested in one of the top women’s leagues as the Reds’ new shot-stopper.



Teagan Micah at FC Rosengård

Micah joins Liverpool after two successful seasons with FC Rosengård in Sweden. There, she won back-to-back Damallsvenskan titles and the Swedish Women’s Cup. She helped Rosengård to the groups of the 2023 Women’s Champions League with solid goalkeeping in the qualifying rounds.

The keeper has 14 caps for the Matildas including an appearance at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Earlier this year, she overcame a serious concussion to return to football in time for the Matildas’ World Cup campaign.

Moving to Liverpool

Teagan Micah
Photo Credit: Instagram/Liverpool FC Women

At Liverpool, Micah will be battling for the No.1 spot as they look to build on their first season back in the WSL following promotion in 2022. The Reds impressed in their opening game last season, beating defending champions Chelsea. However, they finished in 7th place, well out of contention for a European spot.

Liverpool FC is a historic football club – England’s most successful in Europe – but are still building their women’s side to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

Ambitions at new club

Micah expressed her excitement at joining Liverpool, citing the club’s history and stature. She also cited the high level of competition in the WSL as a key factor in her decision.

The Australian keeper was clear about her ambitions at Liverpool, saying she hopes to help the club qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the coming years.



Liverpool are currently preparing for the 2023-24 campaign, with ongoing pre-season fixtures including the AMOS Women’s French Cup against Paris Saint-Germain on August 28. Their league opener against Arsenal on October 1 will give Micah the chance to come up against Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord.

Joining the up-and-coming WSL side is the latest impressive step in Micah’s career progression.

Published 23 August 2023