‘An absolute privilege’: Wanderers defender retires after half-century milestone in A-Leagues

Western Sydney Wanderers defender Lauren Kier has announced her retirement from professional football.

The 27-year-old made 50 Ninja A-League appearances in the last six years split at both Canberra United and the Wanderers. The first 34 games of Kier’s professional career came in Canberra between 2018 and 2022 before a move to the Wanderers where she played a further 16 games.

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Upon confirming her retirement, Keir paid tribute to Western Sydney fans for making her time in the Red and Black of the Wanderers so memorable.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the club, players and fans for the past two seasons,” said Keir.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the Red & Black and represent the Western Sydney community. A massive thank you to the members and fans who have shown unwavering support for me throughout my time at the club, even checking in when I was injured, it meant a lot to me.”

“One of my favourite parts of game day was seeing you all post-game. Win, lose or draw you always brought a big smile to my face & something I’ll dearly miss.” 

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Lauren Keir (centre). Image: Western Sydney Wanderers

Keir is the fifth player to have retired since the end of the 2023-24 Ninja A-League Women season, joining Emma Checker, Gema Simon, Alex Huynh and Natasha Rigby who have all called time on their respective careers.

Western Sydney head coach Robbie Hooker spoke on behalf of the club as he thanked Keir for her contribution to the Wanderers, while wishing her all the best for the future.

“Lauren has been a great contributor to Western Sydney Wanderers women’s football and the game in general,” he said.

“I coached Lauren as a 13-year-old in Canberra – she remembered me for helping her back then and made me feel welcome when I arrived at the Wanderers 12 months ago.

“It is never easy saying goodbye to the thing that motivates you to jump out of bed every morning, so at this time we are all thinking of Lauren and thanking her from the bottom of our hearts for her effort over the years and are wishing her great success for all her future endeavours.”

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