Brisbane Roar has continued its homegrown recruitment drive with the signing of Queensland Future Matildas program member Lanni McDougall.
The teenage midfielder makes the step up to the A-League Women’s competition after impressing in development programs and as a leading light for Moreton Bay United.
McDougall has scored eight NPL Women’s goals this season and said she felt “super excited” when Head Coach Garrath McPherson offered the opportunity to join the Roar.
“It’s always what I’ve worked for, always what I dreamed, to get in that professional environment,” McDougall said.
“The hard work is starting to pay off now. Personally I think I’ve developed a lot this year.
“I want to make the biggest impact I can and look to make the most of the environment. Just enjoy every second of it really.”
McDougall has benefitted from McPherson’s mentorship through the QAS and Future Matildas setups and will now be aiming to bring her creative talents to the next level.
“Garrath is a really good coach,” she said. “He’s helped me for quite a few years through the QAS and NTC. I’m really excited to have him as a coach.
“As a player, I think one of my strengths is bringing everyone into the game using my attacking flair. I’m really excited to use that.”
McPherson said: “Lanni is another exciting product of the QAS football program.
“She spent two years in that high performance environment after being identified playing for Sunshine Coast Wanderers and has continued to grow within our Queensland Future Matildas program this year.
“Lanni is playing consistently well in midfield for Moreton Bay in the NPL Women’s competition.
“She is a focused, determined young person with huge potential.
“Having continually risen to the level of challenge put in front of her, I am excited to see her have an impact in her debut A-League Women’s season.”
