With a wealth of international experience for both country and club under her belt, it seems Heather Garriock was destined to lead Sydney FC’s first women’s side.
Take over 100 caps for Australia, including a starring roll the 2007 Women-s World Cup, and combine it with experience in European club football, and it seems Heather Garriock was destined to claim the honour of captaining the inaugural Sydney FC Westfield W-League side.
Having achieved so much already at the age of 25, the veteran defender believes she has plenty to offer as she prepares to lead the Sky Blues- chase for championship glory.
“It is definitely an honour to captain such a high calibre side,” said Garriock. “Hopefully we can follow in the footsteps of the men’s side and win in our first year.”
Sydney FC Coach, Alen Stajcic believes his new Captain has all the attributes needed to lead the Sky Blues to inaugural season success.
“Everyone is keen to support Heather,” said Stajcic. “We all believe she is one of the best players in the country and believe she can make the step up for this next challenge.”
Garriock hopes to use her wealth of experience to help guide FC-s crop of rising young stars onto the National stage.
“I have been one of the most experienced Matilda’s for the past couple of years now, so hopefully I can use that to lead the team by example,” she said. “This is a challenge I-m looking forward to.”
Although her mind is firmly fixed on Sydney’s first season, Garriock will have plenty to look forward once her Westfield W-League campaign is complete, having been drafted to play in the re-born American women-s league, alongside FC team-mate Sarah Walsh.
“It is really exciting to be drafted to the Chicago Red Stars,” said Garriock. “They have some great players so I’m sure it will be a career highlight for me.”
First and foremost on the agenda though is securing a title with Sydney, and Garriock and her Sky Blue team-mates will look to kick off their campaign in style when they travel to take on Perth Glory next Saturday in the first ever Westfield W-League fixture.
The match will be shown live on ABC 1, with kick off at 4pm AEDT.
Click here to view the draw for the Westfield W-League 2008/09 Season.
