Western Sydney local and Wanderers member Ashlie Crofts is ready to show what it means to wear the Red & Black this A-League Women’s season.
Having spent the last two seasons in the A-League Women’s competition with Canberra United, Crofts made her debut at only 17 year’s old and it was the dream start to her professional career with the youngster scoring on her debut.
Looking back on her first two seasons in the competition, Crofts thanked Canberra for giving her the opportunity to start her career.
“The A-league Women’s competition is so strong and is just getting better and better, a positive to take from COVID has been the chance for more local Aussie talent to have a good go,” said Crofts.
“I loved my time with Canberra and am forever grateful for giving me my first contract.” 
During the A-League Women’s off-season, Crofts has been busy at local club Blacktown Spartans where she has played for close to ten years.
Playing now for her hometown club this season with the Wanderers is a dream come true for the Western Sydney local.
“Western Sydney is my home.
“I’ve grown up here, played my junior football in the BDSFA competition and have played for Blacktown Spartans for almost 10 years.
I had a Wanderers membership and went to watch the team every week at the old Pirtek Stadium.
“Cath (head coach Catherine Cannuli) is a coach I’ve always wanted to work with and I’m just excited to get started.”
With the Wanderers set to kick-off their pre-season preparations next week at the club’s Centre of Football, a short-walk from Crofts junior club, the midfielder is excited to continue learning and developing at the club.
“There’s still plenty for me to learn, especially off some of the older, more experienced players,” said Crofts.
“But as a local, I’m hoping to bring a sense of community and what it means to represent Western Sydney.
“We have a really exciting group of players together this season so obviously we want to do really, really well and as it’s my third season in this league I’m working really hard to have a big impact not only as a team but for myself as well.”
The Wanderers A-League Women’s team will kick-off their season on Friday 3 December 2021 against Wellington Phoenix.
