Brisbane Roar is delighted to announce the re-signing of promising young defender, Holly McQueen to bolster the defensive stocks for the Liberty A-League squad.
Having signed for the Roar for last season, McQueen was unfortunately unable to play for the side after suffering a knee injury in the Kappa Women’s Super Cup Final in September 2021.
After working through her rehabilitation program, McQueen is eager to take up the opportunity in Garrath McPherson’s team.
“That ACL [Anterior Cruciate Ligament] injury was really bad timing, right about to start pre-season for the Roar and then being told I have to go a whole year of no football… it was very hard to hear,” McQueen said.
“Garrath and the club really helped me out, by building out my rehab program which kept me focused.”
McQueen signed her first professional contract with the Roar in the latter stages of the 2020/21 season following the departure of Clare Polkinghorne, having trained with the club all year.
Spending time learning from the Roar and Matildas icon is something McQueen has taken to heart as she develops her game.
“I was definitely looking up to Clare, and the other Matildas players both on and off the pitch and it inspired me to bring more to the team every day.”
“I definitely think Jamilla [Rankin] stood out last year, with her ability to play both full back and centre-back. She’s very versatile at such a young age.”
McQueen is a product of the QAS program, playing 31 matches in the National Premier League in 2019 and 2020 and was named captain in her second season.
She then joined the treble winning Lions FC side in 2021, playing 20 matches across the league and cup before her injury. Since her injury, McQueen has been involved in the Future Matildas program training under Head Coach Garrath McPherson.
“Holly is a month away from full match fitness. She’s been involved in the Future Matildas Program on a full-time basis and has been working patiently to get herself back up to speed,” McPherson said.
The daughter of Western Pride manager Pye Augustine, McQueen is eager to repay the support of her family ahead of a potential Liberty A-League debut this season.
“Having a whole family of footballers certainly helps when you’re seeking guidance. I’ve received a lot of wisdom from both my dad and my mum, so I’m very grateful.”
“It certainly makes the car rides more enjoyable!”
Head Coach McPherson is looking forward to seeing McQueen in action for the first time this season and praised her attitude throughout the rehabilitation process.
“A product of our NTC program, we have all had to wait 12 months longer to see Holly in the Liberty A-League.”
“Her competitive nature and commitment to be the best has seen her use the injury lay off to boost her strength, speed and power,” McPherson said.
“She is a player who will inspire our young fans with her will to win.”
CONFIRMED LIBERTY A-LEAGUE SQUAD FOR 2022/2023:
Eash Norrie (Lions FC)
Hollie Palmer (Capalaba FC)
Shea Connors (APIA Leichhardt)
Larissa Crummer (Capalaba FC)
Sharn Freier (Moreton Bay United)
Mariel Hecher (Lions FC)
Holly McQueen (Future Matildas Program)
