The Stingrays may have caught some fans off guard by signing Sian McLaren, but the experienced goalkeeper's journey to Wollongong began a decade ago.
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McLaren was playing for Adelaide United when representatives of Illawarra's NSW Women's NPL club arrived in South Australia as part of their campaign to push for W-League promotion.
And while that bid was unsuccessful, the visit obviously left a lasting impression on McLaren, who last week inked a deal with the Stingrays for the 2022 season.
"It was about 10 years ago when they came over to Adelaide and we played a couple of friendlies against them. I knew a couple of girls in their team and I spent a bit of time with them," she said.
"I really liked the club environment and the community aspect that they had. I knew people who had played for them throughout the years and I had always heard good things. The coaching staff were always highly recommended and seemed like good people, so I always held them in a place that they'd be a good club to play for.
"When I lived in South Australia, I knew that if I ever moved back to NSW and played in the NPL, I'd probably play for the Stingrays."
McLaren brings a wealth of experience to the Illawarra. She spent over 10 years playing in the W-League, representing Sydney FC and Adelaide United on close to 50 occasions.
The 29-year-old hopes to play a mentor role with the Stingrays, who boast a host of promising talent, including the likes of Margaux Chauvet and Danika Matos.
"In my recent W-League season, I was vice-captain at Adelaide, so I think in my older years I've taken on more of a leadership role," McLaren said.
"It's something that I really enjoy with my football these days, passing on my experience to the younger players."
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McLaren arrives as a new era begins at the Stingrays, with Anthony Guido taking the reins from Bruce Tilt as the club's head coach.
The team is keen to build on some solid performances in 2021, where they finished sixth before the season was cut short due to COVID.
"Finals would be great next year. I know Anthony is pretty serious about this season and he wants to not only make finals, but win the whole thing," McLaren said.
"With the talent that we've got - including seven or eight W-League players - I think that's a pretty realistic goal. I wouldn't say that we'd settle for anything less than winning it I guess."
McLaren moved to Wollongong about three months ago and is already hard at work preparing for next season. However, the Scottish-born talent is also enjoying the sea change.
"It obviously hasn't been ideal with the lockdown, but it's a nice spot," she said.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
