‘I’m loving Australian football right now’: Western lure Matildas defender to high-flying squad

Western United are flawless in their first season in the Liberty A-League but the expansion club have further bolstered their in-form squad with the signing of Matilda Angie Beard.

In a coup for Western, who have won all six of their 2022-23 fixtures to be level atop the standings, Beard returns to Australia on a two-year contract.

The three-time Matildas defender arrives from Danish club Fortuna Hjorring, having captained Melbourne Victory to Liberty A-League Championship glory in 2021 before her European switch.

“I’m excited to be here with the girls. Seeing what Mark (Torcaso) and Amanda (Stella) are doing with Western is really inspiring,” she said ahead of Wednesday’s top-of-the-table blockbuster against Sydney FC.

“It’s always good to aim for more silverware and more achievements and this team is a very talented group. I think the team chemistry and what they’re creating on the field and the environment off the field is very attractive for me.

“I’m loving Australian football right now and I’m loving being back in Australia, so hopefully it’s a good fit for both of us.”

Beard, who played for hometown club Brisbane Roar and Victory in the Liberty A-League, reunites with Western head coach Mark Torcaso as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup looms Down Under.

The pair worked together in Calder United’s treble-winning campaign during the 2019 NPLW VIC season.

Source: Western United

During her time at Hjorring, Beard earned second and third-placed finishes in the league, while she won the 2022 Danish Cup alongside fellow Liberty A-League graduates Clare Wheeler and Indiah-Paige Riley.

“The fact that Angie wanted to come here and the fact that we are able to go out and get her is another indication of our ambition in this competition,” Torcaso said.

“Angie has been a star in this league already, she’s had big experience overseas and she is going to be a massive player for us and for our league.

“Her quality as a player is important but her quality as a person is even more vital. I’m delighted and honoured to be able to work with her again and I can’t wait for our fans to see her in action.”