Western United have strengthened their midfield stocks with the addition of 21-year-old Emily Roach to the club’s Ninja A-League squad.
Roach joins Western after a season away from the Ninja A-League; the versatile midfielder made seven appearances in the league across stints at Canberra United and Newcastle Jets through the 2022-23 campaign but after a one-season absence, is back in the league with Kat Smith’s side.
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After starring for NPLW Victoria outfit South Melbourne this season, Roach earned a place in the Football Victoria squad that took on a Football Queensland select side in the 2024 Jones-Millman Cup just days before her arrival at Western. Roach scored for Football Victoria in a 2-2 (4-2) penalty shootout victory.
Western head coach Smith described Roach as a “strong athlete” capable of playing multiple positions in her squad.
“Emily has shown her talent in various opportunities across the country and we are excited to unlock her full potential here at Ironbark Fields,” Smith said.
“She is a strong athlete with versatility in a number of positions, equally capable defensively as she is when popping up in the box to score a goal.
“Those talents will add to and complement a fantastic midfield group that we have and I look forward to watching her grow with us in Green and Black.”
Roach is the seventh new arrival at Western this off-season, joining Chloe Lincoln, Sasha Grove, Alana Cortellino, Sara Eggesvik, Isabel Dehakiz and Claudia Mihocic at the club.
The new Western recruit is eager to contribute to Western’s pursuit of on-field success in the 2024-25 campaign.
“I am incredibly excited to sign with Western United,” Roach said. “Joining a team chasing success gives me a huge amount of motivation to push myself and work hard to contribute to our goals.
“I’m really excited to play in front of the fans at our home in Tarneit. Their passion and energy will definitely make the experience even more special and I look forward to contribution to the club’s success on the field.”
Western begin the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season at Ironbark Fields against Wellington Phoenix on Friday, November 1. Get your tickets today!
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