Brisbane Roar have signed centre-back Leia Varley from Ninja A-League Premiers Melbourne City ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Varley made five appearances for City last season as her former side surged to the top of the Ninja A-League table and secured the Premiers Plate. The defender had previously made five appearances at Adelaide United but now, aged 22, Varley is ready to put her stamp on the competition at the Roar.
Click here to secure your Unite Round tickets NOW!
Roar head coach Alex Smith worked previously with Varley as an assistant at Melbourne City – a factor that proved important to her decision to trade Melbourne for Brisbane and help Smith in his pursuit for success in orange this season.
“I’m beyond grateful to sign with Brisbane this season,” Varley said.
“The club has a rich history of producing unbelievable players and I cannot wait to put on the orange jersey,” she added.
“Seeing the team in the environment that Alex is building this season really excited me about Brisbane. Having worked under Alex before, I am excited to see how much more I can learn under him.”
“Everyone saw the glimpses of what the team could achieve last year and this year I think it’s only going to be better.”
“This season, I’m ready to really make a name for myself in the league. Having felt what it’s like to win as Premiers last year, it also only makes me want to achieve more and I believe Brisbane this season can go the whole way.”
Varley is the ninth new signing at the Roar ahead of the 2024-25 season, joining Danelle Tan, Zara Kruger, Evdokia Popadinova, Emily Pringle, Tanaye Morris, Isabela Hoyos (scholarship contract), Momo Hayashi and Laini Freier at the Queensland club.
2024-25 SEASON FIXTURES
FULL FIXTURES: Every match of the Isuzu UTE A-League 24-25 season here
TALKING POINTS: New TV format, byes & everything you need to know from the draw
DERBY DATES: The matches to circle in your calendar now
