The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce the signing of Irish International and multi-sport superstar Sarah Rowe for the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season.
The 29-year-old arrives on the Coast from Collingwood FC, where the Irish born athlete has been a player in their AFLW program since 2018.
Rowe initially began playing Football at a young age, representing the Republic of Ireland at Under 15’s, Under 17’s and Under 19’s level.
After helping Ireland to the Semi Finals of the 2014 UEFA Women’s Under 19’s Championships, Rowe made her senior debut in 2015, getting an assist against Hungary in a 1-all draw after coming on as a substitute.
With a proud family history in Gaelic football the 29-year-old made the full time switch, representing Dublin City University at club level and Mayo at inter-county level.
Playing as a forward for her County, Rowe featured in three Ladies’ National Football League Finals, as well as the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Final.
Rowe decided to move to Australia in 2018 to play her third professional sport, AFL, signing with Collingwood Football Club. One of the first Irish Women to sign for an AFLW team, she made her debut in early 2019, featuring in every edition of the competition since.
The multi-code star was not totally lost to football, featuring for Shelbourne Ladies in the Irish domestic league in 2021, before playing for Melbourne Victory during the back half of the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season.
Rowe now joins the Central Coast Mariners in search of a new challenge, signing for the remainder of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season.
A versatile footballer who can play as both a defender and a midfielder, the Irish International is ready to hit the ground running in Yellow and Navy.
“I’m so excited to be here on the Central Coast and to be joining the Mariners. 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,” Rowe said.
“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.”
Central Coast Mariners Ninja A-League Head Coach Emily Husband is delighted to have signed Rowe for this season, seeing the Irish International as a strong addition both on and off the field.
“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.”
