Brisbane Roar are pleased to announce the signing of Championship-winning defender Deborah-Anne De La Harpe to join our 2023/24 Liberty A-League squad.
De La Harpe was part of Sydney’s triumphant 2022/23 season, that saw them take out the title in her first season with the club.
The defender also played for Perth Glory for two seasons before making the move across to Sydney.
After signing a contract extension with Sydney FC at the end of last season, De La Harpe transferred to Danish Women’s league club HB Køge.
“I’m so excited, really looking forward to coming into the second half of the season and can’t wait to get started,” De La Harpe said.
“Growing up in Sydney, being able to play alongside the team and win a Championship with the girls I’ve grown up playing with, was a really great experience.”
The 23-year-old has represented Australia and the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and senior levels, most recently earning her first senior international call up in February as a late inclusion to the Irish squad for the FIFA international break.
“I represented the Young Matilda’s in 2019, then I decided to declare for Ireland. My mum grew up there and all my family history is from Ireland. It meant a lot to me and fortunately I was called into camp in February this year and was able to get my first cap against China,” De La Harpe said.
“To be able to experience international football was really great and to be able to train and play alongside some of the best players in the world, and to have played a small part in their journey to the World Cup was awesome,” she added.
“I want to win with Brisbane and just give everything I can for the team and for this club, it really excites me. I want to continue to get back into the Irish team, but right now I’m just focused on these next few months.”
De La Harpe has been in training and up for selection in Friday night’s showdown against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval. KO 6:00pm AEST!
