Olympic Football Club have bolstered their squad ahead of the 2021 NPLW season with the additions of Emma Barnes, Nadine Keast, Kate Morton and Sophie Weatherby.
All four players arrive at Olympic from Brisbane Women’s Premier League Champions Ipswich City Bulls with all four also selected in the competitions All Star side that faced Brisbane Roar last weekend.
Olympic’s newest signings will link up with the rest of the squad when pre-season kicks off in early January ahead of the expected NPLW kick off in March.
Emma Barnes
Barnes returns to Olympic for a second stint having previously played U18’s for the Club in the 2015.
The 22-year-old midfielder went on to play three seasons for Western Pride before playing her part in the the Bulls title triumph in 2020.
“I had a great experience at Olympic in 2015 and was wanting to be part of the Olympic family again,” Barnes said.
“Their values of positivity, hard work and commitment to women’s football all align with my personal values.
“I would love to develop more as a player and be competitive in the NPL in 2021.”
Nadine Keast
The 29-year-old winger is relatively new to Brisbane having moved to Queensland’s capital in 2019 after last playing for Mackay Lions in the states north.
Since arriving in South East Queensland, Keast spent time at Gold Coast United in the NPL before cutting her teeth in the BWPL with Coomera and most recently Ipswich City.
“It’s exciting to be a part of Olympic with the club getting their NPLW licence back,” Keast said.
“Danny (Byrne), Club members and the girls have been more than welcoming, and I love the culture and amazing Greek food.
“I’m looking forward to playing amongst a talented bunch of players and pushing to finish towards the top of the ladder.”
Kate Morton
Morton also returns to Olympic for second spell having played for the club in 2015 & 2016 seasons.
The defender then moved to Lions where she played three seasons culminating in an NPLW Premiership-Grand Final double in 2019.
Fresh off the back of claiming more silverware with Ipswich City in 2020, the 23-year-old said she was delighted be back playing in red and white.
“Olympic are a club that are very passionate about women’s football and provide the women’s teams with first class treatment,” Morton said.
“I also love the supporters and that the club is one big family.
“I would love to finish in the top four and be competitive in 2020.”
Sophie Weatherby
Weatherby is no stranger to the NPL having spent several seasons at Western Pride, where she holds the record as the clubs all-time NPLW top scorer.
The 29-year-old former Queensland representative has experience playing both in midfield and as part of the front three.
“Olympic is an all round supportive club with amazing people and atmosphere, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to be coached by Danny (Byrne),” Weatherby said.
“We’re aiming for a successful season and have the top four in our sights.”