Sydney FC lock in super striker to replace Cortnee Vine as Millie Farrow joins reigning premiers

Super striker Millie Farrow is set to join reigning premiers Sydney FC next season, after Cortnee Vine announced her departure for the USA.

Sydney FC has wasted little time in finding a replacement for departing Matildas star Cortnee Vine with English super striker Millie Farrow set to join the women’s A-League club on a one-year deal.

Farrow, who has won a Women’s Super League title and FA Cup with Chelsea, will join the reigning grand final champions from Perth Glory where she was the club’s top scorer which included a hat-trick against premiers Melbourne City.

Millie Farrow has made the move from Perth to Sydney for next season. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Vine last week secured a deal to join North Carolina Courage in the US after four seasons with the Sky Blues.

“Sydney FC are the benchmark each season and it’s an honour to be joining Australia’s most successful club,” Farrow said.

“I’m excited to play with the Championship winners and determined to help this club defend its title and reach an eighth consecutive Grand Final.

“They have some excellent players and a winning culture, and I hope I can score the goals to help them extend their incredible record.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

I’m sky blue 😍 @SydneyFC 🩵 pic.twitter.com/sN1ENOSLD8

— Millie Farrow (@MillieFarrow) June 17, 2024

Sydney FC coach Ante Juric believes Farrow, who has played with Crystal Palace, Reading, Bristol City, Leicester City and North Carolina Courage in the US, can be a star of the A-League next season.

“Millie is a livewire forward who has all the attributes to score a lot of goals for Sydney FC,” he said.

“She is a winner and I know she will fit into our squad extremely well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing her imprint herself onto the league in a big way.”

Matildas star Cortnee Vine departs Sydney FC, signs with North Carolina Courage

Matildas speedy winger Cortnee Vine will make America her home for the next three years – after signing a new deal with North Carolina Courage.

Vine announced on Friday night that she would be departing A-League’s side Sydney FC – after four successful seasons with the club.

North Carolina Courage confirmed overnight the 26-year-old had signed a three-year deal with the side.

Vine isn’t the only Matildas’ star playing in the American league with teammates Emily van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey contracted to San Diego Wave.

The winger won’t make her first appearance with her new club until after the Olympics – not able to officially join the roster until the secondary transfer window opens in August 1.

“The biggest reason I’m excited to join the Courage is their style of play,“ Vine said.

“They play beautiful, possession-based football. And I’m excited to be part of the culture. I know some of the players and used to play with Denise O’Sullivan. She’s a humble person and a fantastic player and I can’t wait to be a part of the culture she’s spread with the Courage.”

Head coach Sean Nahas said they were “thrilled” to add Vine to their roster.

“She has great international experience and can come in and instantly help us day in and day out. In my conversations with her, she is eager to learn and help in any way she can, both on and off the field,” he said.

“She has a very high soccer IQ and always looks to threaten in the final third. She’s an explosive player both on and off the ball and will fit in perfectly with our style of play. We cannot wait to welcome her here to Courage Country.”

Cortnee Vine is set to depart Sydney FC. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Vine has been clear that she wouldn’t be the footballer she was today if she hadn’t been able to come up through the A-League.

“The last four years at Sydney FC have had a life-changing impact on me and I’m extremely thankful to everyone at the club,” Vine said.

“Sydney FC has given me the platform to achieve my goals, enjoy a lot of success and move on to the next stage of my career.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had as a Sydney FC player and one day I would love to return to Sky Blue.

“We have a fantastic squad and some unbelievably talented young players, so I’m convinced the club is in good shape to defend our title.”

McLean said she would never forget the skills and experience she had had at Sydney FC.

“It has been a wonderful and incredibly successful last four seasons, built on a winning mentality and a fantastic team culture,” McLean said.

Cortnee Vine is poised to play club football out of America. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

“Sydney FC has given me the chance to fulfil many of my sporting dreams and helped open a pathway to my next challenge.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the club, particularly Ante [Juric], our coaching staff and my teammates for their fabulous support.”

Head coach Ante Juric said he was sad to see the duo go but also proud of their achievements.

“They are excellent players and more importantly great people. I will miss them,“ he said.

“They have been fantastic for Sydney FC and have both made important contributions to our success.

“They have always worn the shirt with pride and given everything, which is truly special and our Members will remember that.”

Originally published as Sydney FC lock in super striker to replace Cortnee Vine as Millie Farrow joins reigning premiers