From Brisbane to Wolfsburg: The rise of Australia star Sharn Freier

In partnership with

Her Football Hub

·24 March 2025

From Brisbane to Wolfsburg: The rise of Australia star Sharn Freier

Sharn Freier is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting football talents. After impressing in the A-League and with Australia, she’s now set for a move to European giants VfL Wolfsburg.

Freier agreed to join the She-Wolves in January, signing a contract until 2028. She will make the move from Brisbane Roar to the Frauen-Bundesliga giants in the summer.

OneFootball Videos

Along the way, her fearless performances and technical prowess have caught the eye of scouts and fans alike. Her journey so far has been shaped by resilience, talent and a growing reputation as a player to watch.

Early life and background

Growing up in Pine Rivers, Queensland, Sharn Freier was surrounded by football from a young age. It was more than just a sport — it was a shared passion with her twin sister, Laini. That passion has now taken them both to the professional stage, with Laini recently making her debut for Brisbane Roar.

Club career

Freier’s football journey began with Moreton Bay United FC in Queensland. She honed her skills here before making the leap to professional football. She had two stints with Brisbane Roar in the A-League, with her breakthrough coming in the 2023/24 season. That year, she started all 22 matches, scoring three goals and providing five assists. Her impact on the team was undeniable, and she played a key role in Brisbane’s attacking setup.

However, her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Freier missed the 2021/22 season after rupturing her ACL, an injury that has become far too common in the women’s game. Her resilience in recovering from this setback and returning stronger is a testament to her determination and work ethic.

Embed from Getty Images

Freier’s performances in Australia caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a major move to VfL Wolfsburg. The 23-year-old has signed a contract with the German giants, set to begin in the 2025/26 season. Her contract will run through June 2028. The move marks a significant step in her career, giving her the opportunity to play Champions League football.

“I’m already looking forward to joining VfL Wolfsburg, and I’m excited about the prospect of playing in a league outside Australia for the first time,” Freier told vfl-wolfsburg.de. “To be able to play for such a successful club with so many great players fills me with pride and gratitude. I can’t wait to take on this new challenge and meet my future teammates. I’m also looking forward to learning a new language and experiencing German culture.”

Matildas and international career

Freier’s first taste of international football came in April 2024. She was called up as an injury replacement for Australia’s friendly against Mexico in Texas. She made her debut as a substitute for Kyra Cooney-Cross, marking the beginning of her journey with the Matildas.

“I still can’t really believe it,” she reflected at the time. “It was an amazing feeling last night, and I’m just so grateful and honoured. It’s been surreal, the last 24 hours. When they came down and said, ‘you’re up’, I was excited but numb! I didn’t want to think too much. I was definitely very nervous, but also, I was just stoked.” Embed from Getty Images

Freier continued to impress in the national setup, earning an unofficial start in a pre-Olympics friendly against Canada. In that match, she scored her first goal in a 2-1 defeat. While the game was classified as an ‘International B’ fixture and did not count towards official statistics, it was still a significant milestone for the young player.

“The team is so supportive, and they make you feel good out on the field. This allows you to do your thing, knowing you have the support from the girls and everyone around you,” she said. “I’m super proud. It’s [about] combining, moving around, and making sure you’re available for things like that — just getting numbers in the box and finishing. We were attacking, Mary [Fowler] put her head up, and I looked to come in to combine. Then I took the opportunity, and it went in!”

Freier was initially named as an alternate for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games but later earned a spot in the squad after a rule change allowed alternates to rotate, while keeping only 18 players on the matchday sheet. She replaced Cortnee Vine during Australia’s 3-0 loss to Germany in their opening Group B match.

Her first official start and goal came in December 2024 during a friendly against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne, where interim coach Tom Sermanni selected a squad featuring a number of young A-League talents.

Embed from Getty Images

“It was good, obviously, to get the win, but to score a goal as well is very exciting,” Freier said. “Just to start the game was a very good feeling for me. My family were here — my mum, my sister, my nana, and my sister’s partner — so it was good to have people here to see it in person.”

Freier has since become a regular name on the Matildas team sheet, showcasing her attacking prowess and technical ability on the ball.

Playing styles and strengths

Freier is known for her pace, dribbling ability, and vision on the field. As a winger or midfielder, she excels in one-on-one situations, using her agility and quick footwork to beat defenders. Her work rate is another key asset, as she contributes defensively while also providing an attacking spark in wide areas.

Her ability to deliver precise crosses and create goal-scoring opportunities makes her a valuable asset to any team. Comparisons have been drawn between Freier and other dynamic wingers in Australian football, as she possesses a similar explosive style and attacking mindset.

Challenges and achievements

Despite suffering an ACL injury early in her career, Freier made a remarkable comeback and established herself as one of the best young talents in Australian football. Her performances in the 2023/24 A-League season earned her multiple accolades at Brisbane Roar’s annual Season Awards Night, where she claimed four major awards:

Player of the Year (Kate McShea Medal)
Young Player of the Year
Player’s Player of the Year
Fans’ Player of the Year

With nine caps and two goals for the Matildas, her international career is still in its early stages, but she has already demonstrated her ability to perform at the highest level.

Embed from Getty Images

Sharn Freier’s impact on and off the pitch

Off the field, Freier is regarded as a humble and hardworking player who is dedicated to continuous improvement. She has quickly become a role model for younger players, inspiring the next generation of footballers through her journey of resilience and success.

Her positive presence within the Matildas squad and her willingness to learn and adapt makes her a valuable teammate. As she prepares for her move to Europe, she carries with her the hopes of Australian fans eager to see her succeed on the international stage.

With her determination, skill, and growing experience, Sharn Freier is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years, both for the Matildas and on the European club stage.