Key Sydney FC duo Madison Haley and Rachel Lowe are two of five players confirmed to be departing the club after securing the Liberty A-League Premiership/Championship double this season.
Striker Haley and versatile midfielder Lowe both played from the start in the Sky Blues’ 4-0 Grand Final triumph over Western United on April 30. They’re joined by Katie Offer and Shay Evans in departing the champions at season’s end, as well as New Zealand international Anna Green, who is set to announce her retirement from football.
News of Sydney’s five departing players came as the club confirmed the retention of 17 members of their 2022-23 squad. Matildas forward Cortnee Vine was not included among the returning names; the club “remain in discussions” with the star winger about a potential return, along with Rola Badawiya and Anika Stajcic.
Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric thanked the departing quintet for their collective contribution to what was a special season in the club’s history.
“I’d like to thank those players for their dedication and for helping us create a culture which has led to much success in recent years,” Juric said.
“They’ve all performed exceptionally whenever they have been called upon and have contributed immensely to our squad, so we wish them well.
“It’s fantastic to have kept the majority of our players together for next season and I look forward to adding more ahead of pre-season.
“We will be looking to improve as it will be another tough season but I’m confident we can retain both titles and create more memories.”
Several key members of the squad are set to enter the second year of their contracts, including captain Natalia Tobin, defender Charlotte Mclean, Jada Whyman, Princess Ibini, Mackenzie Hawkesby, Sarah Hunter, Charlize Rule and Kirsty Fenton.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Grand Finalist Indiana Dos Santos and sister Jynaya will be upgraded from scholarship players to senior squad members, signing two-year professional contracts.
SYDNEY FC’S CONTRACTED PLAYERS FOR 2023-24
1. JADA WHYMAN
2. MARY STANIC-FLOODY
3. CHARLOTTE MCLEAN
5. KIRSTY FENTON
6. SARAH HUNTER
7. TEIGAN COLLISTER
12. NATALIE TOBIN (Captain)
14. ABBEY LEMON
15. MACKENZIE HAWKESBY
16. DEBORAH-ANNE DE LA HARPE
17. JYNAYA DOS SANTOS
18. TAYLOR RAY
19. CHARLIE RULE
20. PRINCESS IBINI
21. SHAY HOLLMAN
22. INDIANA DOS SANTOS
60. TAHLIA FRANCO