Tara Murray
Western United striker Hannah Keane had always wanted a second opportunity to come out to Australia to play in the A-League Women’s competition.
After not playing in her first stint while at Melbourne City, Keane went away and worked on her game playing at home in America and in Europe.
But the itch to play in Australia still remained in the background.
“Last time I was with Melbourne City I thought I had a spot up until the last week,” she said. “They brought in another international, a seasoned pro. I would have picked her over me too.
“I think I would have been able to do well in this league.
“I’ve got a better outlook on soccer and football and come back with all these experiences I have now.”
Keane said getting her second chance was the perfect result of the disappointment of last time.
She said her signing with United seemed to be the perfect match.
“I reached out to my old NPL [National Premier League] coach at Alamein from the last time I was here,” he said.
“I asked if he knew any A-League coaches and whether he could give me some contact details so I could scope out interest.
“He goes, ‘in five minutes Mark [Western United coach [Mark Torcaso] is going to call you’. He coached Calder United and he remembered me.
“He gave me these spiel and it looked good and I thought I should give it a chance.”
Keane would quickly sign on as the club’s first female international player, which she said was really special with the small number of internationals allowed to play in the competition.
Keane has already had an impact in the club’s two practice matches, both against Melbourne Victory.
She scored the winner in their first match, while she also scored in the side’s win on Thursday against Victory.
“I’m really proud of everyone,” she said.
“I’m a striker so the aim is to score a lot of goals, but looking more at a non-personal want, I want Western to show what it can be.
“They’re training the players really well and there’s a good culture for the girls and the back room staff.
“Everyone is putting time and effort and hopefully only good results can come from that.”
Keane said that while coach Mark Torcaso isn’t putting much pressure on the group, heading into the season, she said the girls were keen to show they mean business.
“Mark says no pressure, it is fine whatever happens,” she said.
“We want to show them… We know we can beat them
“We’re in our first season at the club. We’re really motivated, and really fired up to go well.”
United will play their first match this Saturday against Victory at their home ground in Caroline Springs.
Keane said they can’t wait to take to the field.
“We’re so ready, but I’m also a little bit nervous,” she said.
“We play Victory and they know what we are about as we beat them. It’ll be really fun at home in the west showing the community pathway to the A-League can be successful.”
Western United starts its season on Saturday.
