After teaming up with her twin in Brisbane, Laini Freier warns the Roar will be ‘scary’ this season

Opting to play alongside her twin sister and rising Matilda Sharn Freier in her breakout ALW season was risky, but Laini proved she doesn’t plan to lurk in the shadows.

Opting to play alongside twin sister and up and coming Matilda Sharn Freier at Brisbane Roar for her breakout A-League’s Women’s season was always going to be risky.

But an exceptional hat-trick in her starting debut has proved Laini Freier has plenty of her own talents.

The 23-year-olds have played together their entire lives – first at Moreton Bay United and in the most recent NPL season at Brisbane City FC.

But choosing to keep the tradition going posed some serious challenges for Laini’s career. With sister Sharn a rising star in the Matildas – Laini signed on the dotted line knowing she would be constantly compared to her sibling.

But instead of sinking under the added pressure to keep up with her sister, Laini rose to the challenge – making her own mark on the ALW with a hat-trick on her starting debut.

Laini Freier celebrates a goal with twin sister Sharn Freier of the Roar, Australia. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

An ankle injury sustained in the NPL grand final hampered Laini early in the season but the midfielder got her starting debut at the weekend and she made sure it was a memorable one – scoring three goals in Brisbane’s 6-1 win over Newcastle Jets.

Her first came off a cross from Sharn in the 42nd minute.

“It didn’t really seem like I scored, it took me a couple of minutes to get back in the game,” Laini said.

“I was a little bit shocked that it happened and the way it happened. There has been a lot of talk about Sharn and I and our connection and then she crossed it to me and I scored my first goal.”

The second goal was just after half time.

“It was an easy goal, there was no one in front of me, I just had to kick it in,” Laini said.

“Some of the girls talked about a hat-trick but I didn’t think that was going to happen.”

Sharn played a big role in Laini’s third goal, which was Roar’s sixth for the night. Sharn made a run down the wing then cut it back to Laini who was unmarked at the top of the box. Laini calmly sent it flying into the net.

“It still hasn’t sunk in, I didn’t really expect it to happen. I don’t think I’ve ever scored a hat-trick before,” Laini said.

“I didn’t think I was going to get a goal in my first start, it was an awesome feeling to score one, but to then do it three times I was shocked.”

A career first hat-trick for 23-year-old Laini Freier. Unreal 🟠

The @brisbaneroar youngster is your Boost Rising Star after a special showing in Round 7 ☝️#[e-mail]/aNqvSmwTqL

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) December 24, 2024

Laini said she knew there were risks with choosing to play alongside Sharn for her debut ALW season but honestly couldn’t imagine playing football without her twin.

“It’s literally the best thing, playing next to Sharn is my favourite thing to do,” Laini said.

“Coming back from the injury that was the only thing I was looking forward to, having her next to me just makes it so much better.”

Laini hopes that one day they will get to play alongside each other in Matildas colours.

“I’ve always known Sharn could get to where she is,” Laini said.

“She’s never really believed in it but I’ve always had her back and knew that, especially as a left footer and after her massive breakout season.

“It’s everyone’s dream to play for the Matildas, I just need to focus on where I am now with the Roar and trying to cement a starting position and play as many minutes as I can.”

Laini said the step from the NPL to the ALW was a big one but one she was enjoying.

“Every training session is intense and that is what you need in this league,” Laini said.

“Sometimes in the NPL you’d go and muck around in a training session but here it’s intense and it’s good because everyone is competing for a spot.

Laini Freier says the jump to ALW is significant. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

“It’s a lot faster than the NPL, it’s a big step up.”

Brisbane Roar sit second on the ladder, with five wins from seven games. Roar finished ninth last season, winning just seven of 23 games.

Laini said the turn around was the culture and camaraderie within the team.

“There is just a really good vibe with the girls, everyone gets along, we’re all happy and when we come on the field we know what we have to do,” she said.

“If we continue we’re going to be pretty scary.”

Roar will travel to take on Western United on Sunday at 7.45pm (AEDT).

Originally published as After teaming up with her twin in Brisbane, Laini Freier warns the Roar will be ‘scary’ this season