Brisbane Roar has bolstered its defensive stocks with the signing of young gun Annie Haffenden for the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.
The 20-year-old will return to Brisbane for her second season having made 13 appearances for Garrath McPherson’s side in the most recent campaign.
Having only joined the Roar on the verge of the 2021/22 season, Haffenden was a breakout player having made the most of the opportunity afforded to her.
“It was amazing to get that opportunity, I owe a big thanks to Garrath and the coaching staff for providing it. I was able to develop a lot and I’m really excited to get out there this season and be on the pitch as much as I can,” she said.
In all 12 matches she started, Haffenden was able to play the full 90 minutes, cementing herself as a key member of the Roar squad.
Playing those minutes provided the Alamein junior with valuable first-team experience that she will be looking to build on in the upcoming campaign.
Since the Roar’s season ended in March, Haffenden has experienced a whirlwind offseason, spending time with Swedish side Vaxjo DFF.
“It was really eye-opening with the speed of play. It was crazy to be a part of but it taught me to be adaptable both on and off the pitch, adjusting to a new environment and playing styles but I’m excited to build on what I learned over there as well as with the Roar,” she said.
Haffenden also caught the eye of the national team, taking part in the Australian U20’s camp in New Zealand.
“It was an unbelievable experience and I was grateful to be a part of that international tour. I learned a lot in that environment as well and it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
Now back on home soil, Haffenden is eager to reunite with several familiar faces in the Roar squad.
“I’m so excited to be back with the Roar this season and back with the girls. We gained a lot of momentum towards the back end of last season and we have so much potential as a group so I’m excited to get going because we have some unfinished business,” she said.
Roar’s Head Coach Garrath McPherson was pleased to be able to re-sign Haffenden for the upcoming season.
“I am looking forward to having Annie back in Brisbane this season and excited that she has committed to us for another year of her development,” he said.
McPherson is eager to see the defender continue her development in the upcoming Liberty A-League season after the progress she showed in the 2021/22 campaign.
“To think that 12 months ago Annie was an 11th-hour recruit for us as an 18-year-old is remarkable,” he said.
“She has this hunger to learn and improve that is very unique. This mindset and approach to her football saw her continue to improve with every week and by the start of pre-season she was an A-League Women starting centre back.
“Fast forward a year and Annie has been involved with an Under 20 Australian camp to New Zealand and gained overseas experience in Sweden as a professional footballer.
“Fans should be excited to see where she is in another six months time!” McPherson added.
CONFIRMED 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
