Star midfielder Katrina Gorry will see out a “special” Liberty A-League season with Brisbane Roar before embarking on a European adventure over the coming months.
Gorry, 29, has signed a deal with Swedish side Vittsjö GIK – home to Clare Polkinghorne – for the upcoming Damallsvenskan campaign.
The 78-time Matilda will remain with the Roar until then as she sets her sights on success with a tight-knit group of team-mates.
“Brisbane Roar have been a massive support for me after coming back and I wouldn’t want to leave them halfway through the season,” Gorry said.
“I love playing with this group. It’s a special bunch and a group I’m really proud of. This season has been really special for me, so I wasn’t going to cut it short and head somewhere else.
“We’ve had disappointing losses but we’ve stayed together and know that we deserve more. The next few games are about showing that, building on our performances, putting games to bed early and getting three points. We’re so hungry to win and we train so hard.
“Hopefully Wednesday night [against Sydney FC] is the turning point for us.”
Gorry said she discussed her new opportunity with Roar great Polkinghorne before deciding it was the right fit for her and baby Harper over the local off-season.
“It was really nice that Sweden fit in perfectly with the end of the season here,” she said. “I spoke to Polks quite a bit about the club and she only said positive things. I’ll head over straight after the season.
“When I had Harper, I promised her and my family that I would do whatever it took to get back in the national team and in contention for that 2023 World Cup.
“It’s going to be an amazing adventure for us. She’s going to be speaking Swedish and I’m not going to know what she’s saying! In a couple of years time we’ll be able to look back and share those memories together.
“I’m really looking forward to it, looking forward to playing consistent games and putting my hand up for the next [Matildas] selection.”
The news comes days on from Gorry’s 100th appearance for the Roar in what is her 10th season with the club.
She is the third woman to achieve both feats after former captain Polkinghorne and fellow Brisbane legend Tameka Yallop.
“It’s something I’m really proud of,” Gorry said. “I know only a couple of players have played 100 games for Brisbane – Polks comes to mind. She’s always someone I’ve looked up to.
“She’s a true leader and a true athlete within our sport.
“To reach 100 games as well, it’s something I’m really proud of and I thank the club for being so supportive of me and my career over the last 10 years.”
NEXT GAME
Liberty A-League
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Wednesday, 2 February 2022
Leichhardt Oval
KO: 6:35pm (QLD)
