Defender Ash Irwin has extended her contract with the Central Coast Mariners ahead of the upcoming Liberty A-League season.
Having spent numerous seasons in the NSW NPL competition, Irwin stepped up to the Liberty A-League last year for the first time, looking immediately at home in Australia’s top flight competition.
The 24-year-old missed just one game all campaign, the last of the regular season, starting every other match in the Mariners women’s return to the competition.
She played less than the full 90 minutes only three times.
Irwin played a key role in the Mariners’ impressive defensive record, with the team conceding only 26 goals in 25 games.
She was also responsible for one of the most unique moments in the Liberty A-League last season, when she took the gloves and played out the last 22 minutes in goal to help the Mariners seal a 2-1 away win against eventual Champions, Sydney FC.
Irwin is now back and ready for another year in the yellow and navy.
“I am really looking forward to being back on the Coast for another season,” she said.
“I had such a great time last year with the Mariners, and I can’t wait to do it again.
“I learned so much in my first season in the A-League, especially under Emily, Jake and all of the coaching staff, and I look forward to being able to continue to grow more as a footballer this year working with them.
“Stepping up to the A-League last year was a great challenge, one that I really enjoyed, so I can’t wait to be back with the team soon ahead of a big season.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband said Irwin was an important part of the squad last year.
“Ash is a tenacious and diligent defender who loves to win the ball back; she is exactly what a Central Coast Mariners defender should be,” Husband said.
“Not only is she extremely valuable on the pitch, but also off it, as she is a great person to have in the team and around the club.
“To have players that you know you can depend on is really important, and Ash is exactly that.”
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