Western United have announced the departure of history-making star Jaclyn Sawicki ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season.
The Philippines international midfielder leaves to take up an “overseas opportunity”, according to the club.
Sawicki was Western’s inaugural captain for their debut Liberty A-League season in 2022-23 and wore the armband in the Grand Final against Sydney FC that campaign.
The 31-year-old – who was part of the Philippines’ historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – remained co-captain alongside Matildas star Chloe Logarzo last term, while she skippered the team in their first ever match at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit.
“All the people of Western United – I just want to give you a big, big thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have absolutely loved my two years here,” said Sawicki.
“The fans, all the staff and the coaches, and of course the players. I am extremely honoured to have been the inaugural captain.
“I love the people of this club so much, they’ve become my Australian family. I’m going to miss it, it’s bitter sweet but I’m very grateful for the time I’ve had here.”
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Sawicki leaves the club after 35 appearances and one goal in the Green and Gold.
She joins Hannah Keane and Stacey Papadopoulos in leaving Western this off-season.
Kat Smith’s Western, though, have signed Chloe Lincoln, Sasha Grove and Alana Cortellino, while retaining Kahli Johnson, Melissa Taranto, Adriana Taranto, Julia Sardo, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Natalie Picak and Aimee Medwin.
“Jackie has played an integral part in our early success in the Liberty A-League and on behalf of everyone at our club, I wish to thank her for her incredible contribution,” he said.
“Her quality on the pitch and her leadership off it has helped set the foundations for our women’s program and her effect on the club will live in our history books forever.
“Jackie will always hold a special place in our club history and we wish her every success in her future endeavours.”
