After two years away, Grace Maher is coming home to Canberra United for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.
With 46 Westfield W-League appearances to her name, Maher will return to the nation’s capital after spending the last two seasons with Melbourne Victory.
A Canberra local who played her junior football with Majura FC, Maher began her Westfield W-League career with Canberra United in 2014, signing her first contract when she was 15 years old, which at the time made her the youngest player to ever sign with a W-League team.
Grace is still the youngest player to play for Canberra United, making her debut against Adelaide United on 19 October 2014. She was also in the starting lineup for the 2014 W-League Grand Final, helping United defeat Perth Glory 3-1.
In her four seasons at Canberra United, Maher made 28 appearances and scored five goals.
Canberra United coach Vicki Linton welcomed Grace back to Canberra United.
“I had the chance to work with Grace with the Junior Matildas a few years ago so I am really pleased to sign her for Canberra United in my first year at the club,” Linton said.
“I know first-hand the qualities she brings as a player and over the last few years I have seen her mature as a player, gaining valuable experience with the Young Matildas and in the Westfield W-League.
“I know she is excited to be back home in Canberra and I look forward to working with her again.”
Maher said she was excited to be back at Canberra United.
“Given the timing of the crazy global pandemic that is going on and where I am at in my life and in my football career, there is no place that I would rather be than in Canberra,” Maher said. “I am just super excited about the prospect of playing in front of the home fans again and playing for the club that I grew up watching.
“The fans, members, past players, staff, current players and volunteers know how special Canberra is so I just can’t wait to be a part of it again and play at beautiful McKellar Park.”
