She won the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship with Australian coach Alen Stajcic in July. Now Philippines international Jaclyn Sawicki is ready to make an impact in the Liberty A-League as the Western United recruit eyes next year’s Women’s World Cup.
A key member of Stajcic’s triumphant Philippines team at the South-East Asian tournament, having upstaged Australia in the group phase, Sawicki is the second international player to join Western ahead of their inaugural A-League Women season.
The move to Victoria comes at the perfect time as Australia prepare to co-host the 2023 Women’s World Cup alongside New Zealand.
For the 29-year-old midfielder, it’s motivation to try and get her mother back to Australia for the showpiece event.
“My mum and I have talked about going to Australia for years, literally,” Sawicki said.
“We found out Australia was one of the hosting nations for the World Cup in 2023 and now, I am currently fighting for a roster spot.
“My first camp with the (Philippines) National Team was also in Australia and now I’m going to get settled in here leading up to the tournament so it is all just kind of a funny coincidence.
“I am confident that Western United will give me the platform to learn and grow as both a player and individual and hopefully, I’ll give my mum a reason to book a flight out this way for next year.”
Western head coach Mark Torcaso has been busy building his squad for the historic 2022-23 campaign, signing American attacker Hannah Keane, Adriana and Melissa Taranto, Young Matilda Kahli Johnson and Alana Cerne.
“The development of the Philippines team under Alen Stajcic has been incredible in the last 12 months or so, and Jaclyn has been really impressive in that period,” Torcaso said of Sawicki.
“We’ve certainly taken notice and identified Jaclyn as someone that will bring a lot of quality into our midfield.
“With her big-game experience and the level she’s played at overseas, she’ll be a big part of our team and I can’t wait to work with her.”
