The pieces are coming together for Western United ahead of their inaugural Liberty A-League season after signing the club’s first international player – Hannah Keane.
After Alana Cerne made history as the first Western Women’s player, United States attacker Keane is the second recruit.
Keane, who previously spent time in Victoria via NPL Women outfit Alamein FC in 2016, brings UEFA Women’s Champions League and European pedigree to Western.
The 29-year-old joins Western having played for SC Huelva in Spain’s top flight last season, scoring five league goals and helping the team reach the Copa de la Reina final against giants Barcelona.
“I feel honoured. I’ve been following Western’s progress as a club and I really appreciate the work they’ve put in to give young women a pathway in professional soccer,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of something like this and getting this opportunity means a lot to me.
“I’m extremely excited. I’m ready to learn new things and I cannot wait for the season to start and for all the hard work by the supporters, club and players to pay off.”
Keane enjoyed a successful period with SC Braga in Portugal.
Not only did she win the Women’s Cup to go with two runners-up medals in the Taca da Liga Feminina and Super Cup Women, she played Champions League football with Braga in 2019-20.
“After playing in Australia in 2016, I left feeling like I had unfinished business with the A-League. All the leagues I’ve played in since then have shaped me into a more determined and competitive player,” she said.
“I want to achieve as much as possible and help the club and the fans have an amazing inaugural season in the A-League Women.”
Western head coach Mark Torcaso added: “We’re really pleased to bring Hannah into the program as our first ever international signing. Her overseas experience will be huge for us.
“She’ll come with a lot of high-level football under her belt and with the ability to be a real game-changer for us up front with her quality, size and strength.
“She’s a player I’ve admired for some time and I’m excited to work with her now and have her help us chase success in the A-League Women.”
