Brisbane Roar have signed former Sydney FC defender Deborah-Anne De La Harpe for the remainder of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.
De La Harpe was part of Sydney’s triumphant 2022-23 campaign, which saw the Sky Blues sweep domestic honours in her first season with the club before earning a transfer to Europe after 15 appearances for Ante Juric’s side.
The 23-year-old made five appearances and scored one goal for Danish outfit HB Koge in the top flight.
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“I’m so excited, really looking forward to coming into the second half of the season and can’t wait to get started,” De La Harpe said.
“Growing up in Sydney, being able to play alongside the team and win a Championship with the girls I’ve grown up playing with, was a really great experience.”
De La Harpe spent two seasons with Perth Glory before joining Sydney ahead of the 2022-23 season.
She also represented Australia at Under-19 level before making her senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland earlier this year, leading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I represented the Young Matilda’s in 2019, then I decided to declare for Ireland. My mum grew up there and all my family history is from Ireland. It meant a lot to me and fortunately I was called into camp in February this year and was able to get my first cap against China,” De La Harpe said.
“To be able to experience international football was really great and to be able to train and play alongside some of the best players in the world, and to have played a small part in their journey to the World Cup was awesome.
“I want to win with Brisbane and just give everything I can for the team and for this club, it really excites me. I want to continue to get back into the Irish team, but right now I’m just focused on these next few months.”
