Brisbane Roar adds experience to its 2022/23 Liberty A-League squad with the signing of Margot Robinne.
The veteran has plenty of playing experience in Australia at both A-League Women’s and NPL Women’s level following her move Down Under in 2017.
After signing for Melbourne City for the 2020/21 season, Robbine became the first French-born player in the national competition and spent last season with Canberra United.
Her journey north will now bring her to the Sunshine State where the 31-year-old is eager to make a fast start with her new club and add to her 18 career A-League appearances.
“Brisbane is the first A-League team I played against and for a first game, it was really interesting! I really enjoyed the way Brisbane was playing, it suits my style so I’m very excited about joining them,” she said.
“When I spoke to Garrath [McPherson], the way he has this team playing is very creative, going forward and creating scoring opportunities with freedom so that’s my style and I can’t wait to be a part of a team with this philosophy.”
Her NPL Women’s career has seen her feature for Bulleen Lions and more recently, Boroondara Eagles in the Victorian Premier League, where she has spent 2021 and 2022.
This year, she featured in 11 matches and scored a remarkable 15 goals across the League and Cup as the Eagles made it all the way to the Grand Final.
Boroondara Eagles president Manny Koutroulis spoke about the impact Robbine has had at the Club and what he expects her to bring to the Roar.
“Margot is a very smart forward, can come in deep and combine well with the midfield but she also makes great runs into the box and knows where the goals are,” he said.
“At our club, Margot came in and helped the team immensely, she was a great leader on the park and supported good local players around her in our successful quest for promotion to NPL.”
Prior to her move to Australia, Robbine played in her native France, building up plenty of experience that she is hoping to put to good use, mentoring some of the Roar’s young talent as the season goes on.
“Now that I’m a bit more used to the Australian style of play, it’s a bit easier to mentor the young players,” she said.
“I used to be captain of my university team in France, it’s important for me to play that role, especially as the older players when I started my career at 14 were setting a good example for me.
“It’s good for the younger players to have older players willing to share their experience. I’m happy to play that role as I’ve done it before,” Robbine added.
Having played against the Roar last season, Robbine is looking forward to joining up with her new teammates when the pre-season begins in October.
“It’s important to get to know everyone at the club and learn about the culture and the way everyone functions. Every club is different and I’ll be trying to fit in with the Roar while bringing my French touch as well!”
Robbine’s experience was a big drawcard for Head Coach McPherson when signing the French player and is looking forward to seeing what she will bring in the coming season.
“Margot is an experienced A-League Women’s footballer who joins us from interstate,” he said.
“Experience and maturity have been a consideration during our rostering and recruitment with Margot bringing a wealth of both to our youthful side.
“She is a versatile player who is technically and tactically excellent, this will allow her to play both in central midfield and central attack,” McPherson added.
The Brisbane Roar will get their Liberty A-League season underway against Newcastle Jets on Saturday 19 November. Check out the full draw here.
CONFIRMED BRISBANE ROAR 2022/23 LIBERTY A-LEAGUE SQUAD
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)
Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GK)
Georgia Beaumont (Moreton Bay United)
Talitha Kramer (Capalaba FC)
Isabella Shuttleworth (Moreton Bay United)
Jamilla Rankin (Blacktown Spartans)
Annie Haffenden (Free Agent)
Kijah Stephenson (Brisbane City)
Mia Bailey (QAS)
Margot Robbine
