Central Coast Mariners defender Sarah Rowe had a wild ride on Sunday, nearly losing her voice after snagging the A-League Women championship against Melbourne Victory. But the 29-year-old sports star doesn’t have much time to bask in her glory, with her AFLW preseason with Collingwood kicking off just two days later. The Mariners, who were the underdogs, clinched the victory in a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 tie in extra time.
Title Decider Drama:
To make it to the title decider, the Mariners pulled off a shocking upset against premiers Melbourne City in the semi-finals. It was a remarkable journey for the team, climbing from fourth place to champions by defeating Canberra United, City, and Victory along the way. “I’ve never seen celebrations like that before, in terms of the excitement levels. It was mental, but it was so much fun, just unbelievable,” Rowe shared with ABC Sport, reflecting on the euphoria of the win.
Position Switch:
Rowe’s transition from a winger at Collingwood to a defender at Central Coast Mariners wasn’t a walk in the park. The Irishwoman, who moved to Australia in 2018, had to adapt quickly to the new role, especially since she hadn’t played in the backline for two years. Despite feeling unprepared initially, Rowe worked tirelessly with Mariners coach Emily Husband to get up to speed. “The first week of training, I was under serious pressure because I hadn’t played (in the) backline in two years. And the way you prepare for AFLW is so different to soccer. So the first couple of weeks, I was like, ‘God, I’m bad and I need to get good quick,'” Rowe confessed.
Challenges and Triumphs:
Rowe’s journey from AFLW to A-League Women and back again has been a whirlwind. While she anticipates an easier transition back to AFLW, she acknowledges the challenges ahead. Starting the preseason with Collingwood amidst the celebrations, Rowe is ready to refocus and push herself to catch up on missed work. “Maybe two to three weeks in she put me straight into the starting team, which I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ But if you back me in, I am ready and she just threw me in,” Rowe said, highlighting the ups and downs she faced during the season. Despite the uncertainties and demands of juggling two sports, Rowe remains grateful for the opportunities she has. “But at the end of the day, these things are my job as well. Like, I’m so lucky to do that. I just think your career is short and while you can and while you’re able (should aim) to get as much out of it as you can,” she emphasized.
In conclusion, Sarah Rowe’s incredible journey from winger to defender, from A-League Women to AFLW, is a testament to her resilience and determination. As she navigates the challenges of dual sporting careers, Rowe’s passion and commitment shine through, propelling her towards new heights of success. With each game, each victory, and each setback, Rowe continues to defy expectations and carve out her place in the world of women’s sports.