Western United have confirmed striker Hannah Keane and defender Stacey Papadopoulos have departed the club after securing moves to teams overseas.
Keane broke a number of club records across her 40-game career at the club; the American striker scored the club’s first finals goal, secured the club’s first hat-trick and is the only player to have won consecutive Golden Boot awards in Western’s history. Her 24 goals for the club is the second-most in men’s or women’s history behind Besart Berisha (26).
“Out of all the teams I’ve ever played on, Western by far has been the biggest family and probably the biggest emotional tie to a team I’ve had,” Keane said.
“I’m so grateful to have been a part of everything here. The kindness that everyone has shown me has been amazing and I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person because of everyone around me.”
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Papadopoulos meantime departs the club after 35 appearances – 22 of which came in the 2023-24 campaign.
“I want to say thank you to everybody at Western United – from the fans, to the staff, to all of my teammates – thank you so much. The past two years have been amazing,” Papadopoulos said.
“I can’t wait to watch the girls smash it, they’ll always have my support. I’ll always be a Green and Black fan.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato thanked both Keane and Papadopoulos for their service to the club as their respective departures were confirmed.
“Hannah and Stacey have both made immense contributions to our Club, and the success we have had in the women’s space thus far would not have been possible without each of them,” he said.
“Both have been tremendous players on the pitch and exemplary people off the pitch, setting the foundations for our culture and identity in the Liberty A-League.
“They leave a lasting legacy in what they have helped create, and we wish them both every success in their next steps and will always keep our doors open for them.
“We are also extremely proud of our ability to provide our female players with a platform to develop and pursue opportunities overseas, and I commend the work of our staff and our playing group as we continue to grow a successful women’s program through two seasons.”
“Everyone at Western United sends their very best wishes to both Hannah and Stacey and will (be) watching and cheering them on from afar.”
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