Brisbane Roar Football Club can confirm the departure of Westfield W-League Championship-winning duo Tameka Butt and Emily Gielnik.
After becoming just the second player in BRFC history to make 100 Westfield W-League appearances last season, Butt expressed her thanks to both the Club and her teammates.
“It’s not easy to leave Brisbane and it will be very strange to not be wearing orange this summer,” Butt said.
“My move has nothing to do with the club or the football, it is purely for my off-field development, following an internship opportunity with Seven Consulting that I can’t pass up.
“I have a lot of appreciation for what Brisbane Roar FC has been for me over the last ten (10) years and am grateful to have played with all the girls over that time also.”
.jpg)
Twenty-six-year-old Gielnik departs Brisbane after spending eight seasons in Roar Orange, appearing 83 times and hitting the back of the net on 30 occasions.
The Westfield Matildas attacker is sad to depart the Roar but will always have fond memories of her time in Brisbane.
“I’d firstly like to thank the Roar family for playing an important role in my football development for over eight (8) years. I’ve loved my time at the Club and the BRFC jersey has been a huge part of my footballing life,” Gielnik said.
“This decision to leave was most certainly not taken lightly. It was a very tough and emotional decision because orange has always been in my blood. I leave on a good note and I wish the staff, the players, and the Club all the best wishes and success for the upcoming season.
“Finally, thank you so much to all the amazing fans and spectators that have shown the most incredible support for me and also for the game we love within women’s football.”
Although disappointed to lose the experienced duo, Head Coach Mel Andreatta wished Butt and Gielnik the best of luck in season 2018/19.
“Em and Tameka over the years have made a significant contribution to helping the Roar Women achieve success. They will be missed,” Andreatta said.
“It is a natural evolution of any football club that players will always come and go.
“It is important to recognise individuals but understand the team will always move forward and as a group we are determined to be successful in Season 11.”
BRFC would like to thank Emily and Tameka for their valuable contribution and the Club wishes them the best of luck for the future.
