There was never much doubt where Laini Freier would be playing in 2021. “I wanted to come straight back here,” she said.
Returning to Moreton Bay United was top of the attacking midfielder’s list after Jets’ appointment of head coaches David Da Silva (women) and Gary Ward (under 23s).
“I came back because of Dave and Gary,” said Laini, “I also really liked it when I was here before and it is local for me.
“I played with Dave at QAS and with Gary at The Gap and in my last year here the first time. They have been great mentors for me.
“I am more experienced now, but I want improve pretty much my whole game and I think Dave will help me with that.”
Laini rose through the juniors at Jets from 2014-17 and was part of our PS4 NPL Under 15 Girls premiership-winning team in 2016.
The 19-year-old then went to the QAS/Brisbane Roar, where she was coached by David Da Silva, and won the 2018 NPLW Grand Final.
Laini’s last two years have been at The Gap, under coach Gary Ward where last year she was one of four nominees for the NPLW Young Player of the Year and a place in the Queensland squad for last month’s clash with New South Wales.
Her goal-scoring record has also seen double figures in four of the last five seasons – 17 in 2016, 14 in 2017, 16 in 2019 and 19 in 2020.
“Laini’s a box-to-box midfielder who bosses the field,” said Jets’ Women’s coach David Da Silva, “my job will be to challenge her and get the most out of her.
“I am very confident she’ll have a standout year and be a W-League player the following season.”
“This club’s in a good space, enabling players to improve to their full potential - that’s what attracted me to it and this environment will, I think, make Laini flourish.
“We cannot compete with offers some other clubs are making, but we want to create an environment that is unique and special.
“It’s about equity, fairness and providing equal opportunities.”
