Isabella Shuttleworth is coming back to where her NPL journey began.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper will join Moreton Bay United next year when her contract with Brisbane Roar women finishes.
Bella’s return comes five years after she was between the posts for Jets’ Under 13 Girls in the 2016 NPL competition.
She then had a year at UQ and won a host of NPL trophies with Lions, including the Premiership and Grand Final double 2019 and 2021 - and the 2020 Grand Final.
That caught the eye of Brisbane Roar, signing Bella for their 2020-21 and 2021-22 A-League Women squads. She was also in last year’s Queensland women’s team.
“This is a very exciting signing for Moreton Bay United Football Club,” Jets' women’s head coach Macca Smith said.
“Bella is a fantastic young goalkeeper with ambitions of playing at the highest possible level.
“We fully support players at Moreton Bay United that hold these ambitions and are proud of the platform we can provide for these developing players.”
In fact, Jets may be a stepping-stone for Bella’s ambition to play in the United States. She is talking to colleges ahead of a possible move later next year.
“Lions, understandably, wanted keeper who would be there all (next) year,” Bella said, “I couldn’t guarantee that.
“I thought I’d look elsewhere and Moreton Bay United was the first NPL club on my list – back where it started in the Under 13s!
“I really enjoyed my time at Lions. It was five years and I’m sad to leave.
“But this gives me a chance to experience something new, a new community, a new team and prepare for what’s ahead.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Bella said she likes to be involved in games and “basically playing as a sweeper”.
At Moreton Bay United she also knows Laini Freier, from the time both were at Brisbane Roar, Jess Dillion, from her time at Lions in 2020 and “a few of the younger MBU girls.”