Dec 13,2024
Sarah Rowe has taken advantage of a rare gap in her busy schedule by signing a short-term contract with Central Coast Mariners in Australia's Ninja A-League, with the chance to play under manager Emily Husband a major factor in her decision.
The Republic of Ireland international returns to the league, having played with Melbourne Victory towards the end of the 2022-23 season.
An underage international at under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels, Rowe was on the same under-19 team as current senior captain Katie McCabe that reached the European Championship semi-finals in 2014.
Chloe Mustaki, Megan Connolly, Clare Shine, Savannah McCarthy and multiple Cork camogie All-Ireland winner Amy O’Connor were also on the Dave Connell’s starting XI for that historic tournament.
Rowe was capped at senior level the following season, providing an assist as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Hungary and won a league and cup double in her first season with Shelbourne in 2016.
However, the Ballina native opted to focus on Gaelic football, establishing herself as one of the top forwards in the country with Mayo and playing in an All-Ireland final and three league deciders
In the wake of her Mayo team-mate Cora Staunton’s pioneering transition to playing Aussie rules, Rowe was among early wave of Irish players that have driven the expansion of the AFLW. She has been a constant for Collingwood since signing in 2018 and making her debut the following year.
"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."
Her appetite for football returned when she went back to play with Shelbourne in the League of Ireland for a short period, and then with Melbourne in Australia and Bohemians back in Ireland.
Such was her form and progress that despite playing no part in the qualification campaign, she was called up for a two-week training camp by then-Ireland manager Vera Pauw and placed on a standby list for the 31-player training squad named ahead of the World Cup finals in 2023.
The 29-year-old, who fronted the AFLW’s online magazine show Tagged with Richmond player Sarah Hosking while also maintaining her commitment with Collingwood this year, now joins the Central Coast Mariners in search of a new challenge, signing for the remainder of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
"I’m so excited to be here on the Central Coast and to be joining the Mariners," Rowe said at her unveiling.
"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.
"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."
Reacting to the signing, Husband said: "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.
"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."
