AFF Women’s Championship-winning Filipina midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki has become the second international player to join Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women outfit.
The 29-year-old was a key member of the Philippines team, coached by Australian Alen Stajcic, that won the tournament for South-East Asian countries in July.
Born in Canada to a Polish father and Filipina mother, Sawicki represented Canada at youth level and made one senior appearance in 2011 before changing allegiances to the Philippines.
With stints in Sweden, Japan and Canada under her belt, Sawicki joins with a wealth of experience in international and domestic football.
After confirming her move to Victoria’s West, Sawicki said she is ready to make an impact in the A-League Women.
“I am beyond excited to join Western United in the inaugural season for the women’s side,” Sawicki said.
“I can’t wait to meet and begin working with the rest of the squad, and hopefully this group can set the tone and pave the way for those players who will come after us in this club.”
Sawicki is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in a country she has long admired.
“My mom and I have talked about going to Australia for years, literally,” she said.
“We found out Australia was one of the hosting nations for the World Cup in 2023 and now, I am currently fighting for a roster spot.
“My first camp with the (Philippines) National Team was also in Australia and now I’m going to get settled in here leading up to the tournament so it is all just kind of a funny coincidence.
“I am confident that Western United will give me the platform to learn and grow as both a player and individual and hopefully, I’ll give my mom a reason to book a flight out this way for next year.”
Western United’s A-League Women Head Coach Mark Torcaso said he had been impressed by the Philippines team, with Sawicki standing out to him as a player he would love to work with.
“The development of the Phillipines team under Alen Stajcic has been incredible in the last 12 months or so, and Jaclyn has been really impressive in that period,” he said.
“We’ve certainly taken notice and identified Jaclyn as someone that will bring a lot of quality into our midfield.
“With her big-game experience and the level she’s played at overseas, she’ll be a big part of our team and I can’t wait to work with her.”
Sawicki joins American attacker Hannah Keane as the first two international players to join Western United as the squad continues to take shape ahead of the season’s commencement in November.
