Star ultra Keane to make Tassie debut
STRIKER FEELS AT HOME IN LEAGUE
IF there is anyone that knows the definition of the world game, it’s Western United striker Hannah Keane.
The 30-year-old from Sacramento grew up playing soccer in her home country of America but has taken her skills across the globe before signing with the A-League Women’s newest side in August last year.
The competition’s leading goal scorer has been a star in United’s inaugural season and says she can’t wait to suit up against the Brisbane Roar at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.
“I’m so excited. I’ve never been to Tasmania before and I’ve only heard great things so I think it will be a really fun experience,” Keane said.
It’s been a long journey from America to Tasmania for Keane with her playing career spanning over four countries since making the move down under in 2016.
“I graduated from university in southern California and I don’t really remember how it happened but I contacted an NPLW coach and ended up making the move to play for Alamein FC,” she recalls. “I was trying to get to the W-League at the time and I was training with Melbourne City as a train-on player and I thought I had a contract spot but one week before the season started they brought in another international and since the international spots are very limited for the teams I lost my spot.”
While she admits having her dreams dashed of playing professional soccer in Australia was the toughest time of her career, a chance at vindication saw her return to her second home last year.
“So I decided to leave Australia and go and play in Germany and then Portugal for three seasons and then Spain for one season and then this opportunity to come back to Australia came up and I couldn’t resist because I always thought I was meant to play in this league,” Keane said.
“For sure I came back for some redemption but I’m also pretty glad that I didn’t make it that first time because the places I went afterwards I think were at a better level than the league was here at that time. I think that caused me to improve as a player and I don’t know if things would have ended up the same if I’d stayed here.”
With United sitting pretty at the top of the A-League Women’s table, the club is keen to make their mark ahead of a Hobart debut with local clinics running on Thursday and Keane hoping for a big turnout for their clash against the Roar.
“I think the club’s connection with the state is great and I hope everyone can come out and watch us get a win,” Keane said.