Central Coast Mariners have added multi-sport Irish star Sarah Rowe to the club’s Ninja A-League squad for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The 29-year-old joins the Mariners from AFLW side Collingwood FC.
Rowe has played for Collingwood since 2018 – but her sporting career began with the round ball, representing the Republic of Ireland in football at youth level before a senior debut against Hungary in 2015.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 6 OF THE NINJA A-LEAGUE!
HOW TO WATCH THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
Rowe then made the switch to Gaelic football, and represented both Dublin City University and inter-county club Mayo before a move to Australia in 2018 and a switch to AFLW.
Through her six years at Collingwood, Rowe has returned to football for two brief stints, firstly at Shelbourne Ladies in the Irish domestic league in 2021 and then at Ninja A-League club Melbourne Victory where she made three appearances through the backend of the 2022-23 season.
The triple-code Irish talent credits Mariners coach Emily Husband for convincing her to return to football once again and contribute to Central Coast’s push for success in 2024-25.
“I’m so excited to be here on the Central Coast and to be joining the Mariners,” Rowe said.
“Speaking to Emily, she is a major reason why I decided that the Mariners is the right place for me. Doing a lot of research on her before coming here, I love the way that she sets up the team to play and her style of coaching.
“It was also really appealing to me that the Central Coast are quite a new team with some exciting young players, I want to come in and try and add something to this team and club and bring some further experience,” Rowe said.
“I can’t wait to set foot out on this pitch and play in front of our fans. I have missed playing football, I can’t wait to put on the Yellow and Navy and play again.”
R6 PREVIEW: What you need to know in the Ninja A-League
Rowe joins a Mariners squad preparing to take on Brisbane Roar in Round 6 of the Ninja A-League season at Perry Park on Saturday, after an unbeaten start to the season (two wins, three draws).
Mariners head coach Husband is excited to see what Rowe can contribute to the squad on her return to the Ninja A-League.
“It is fantastic to have someone of Sarah’s experience both on and off the field and I think it will really help push the team forward this season,” Husband said.
“She has a brilliant work ethic so we know on the field she will work really hard and do everything that we need and has strong leadership qualities as well.
“Sarah is another player that we have who is strong and tough in defence, can deliver a great ball and is also hugely athletic. It is great to have her on the team.”
