For Carleigh Frilles, joining Western Sydney Wanderers feels like more than the beginning of a new chapter.
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It feels like a return home.
The Philippines international is preparing for her first Ninja A-League campaign in Red & Black, arriving in Western Sydney with significant international experience, a relentless work rate and a clear ambition for what she wants to achieve with the Wanderers.
Frilles already knows the region well.
She spent time playing for Blacktown Spartans in 2023 and has also represented the Philippines at Wanderers Football Park, experiences that gave her an early taste of football in Western Sydney and fuelled her ambition to one day play in the A-League Women.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play in the A-League and make my return to Western Sydney after I played for Blacktown Spartans in 2023,” said Frilles.
“Playing right beside our facility and getting to catch some games made me really want to play in the A-League.
“I absolutely love the area and actually played on our match field many times with the Philippines national team. It feels a bit like returning home.”
Now, she arrives as part of a Wanderers squad determined to take another step forward in the upcoming Ninja A-League season.
For Frilles, the direction of the club and its ambition for the women’s program made Western Sydney an exciting destination.
“I’m super excited to come to Western Sydney Wanderers because of the growth of the A-League Women’s side and their plans for this season,” she said.
“It feels great to hear how the club is in full support of the squad and I’m so excited to meet everyone and get started.”
Frilles brings a wealth of experience despite still having plenty of football ahead of her.
A FIFA Women’s World Cup representative with the Philippines and a player with experience across college football, the international stage and the professional game, she arrives in Western Sydney capable of impacting the game in several areas.
Her energy and willingness to work in both directions shapes much of her game, with Frilles determined to bring intensity every time she steps onto the pitch.
“I’m hoping to bring an experienced but also fresh energy to the club,” she said.
“I think my work rate up and down the sidelines is a big part of my game as I absolutely love getting forward but also making a hard recovery run back.
“My experience from college, national team and my last professional club has shaped me into a versatile player who takes every challenge head on.”
That mentality fits a Wanderers side preparing to attack the new campaign with purpose.
And while Frilles is excited about finally realising her ambition of playing in the Ninja A-League, simply being here is not the end goal.
Her ambitions in Red & Black are much bigger.
“I want to help this team win games and ultimately trophies.”
With Western Sydney already familiar territory, Frilles now has the opportunity to make it her home.
This time, in Red & Black.
