Mayo native helps Central Coast Mariners to Australian football title

Ballina native Sarah Rowe has once again written her name into the history books, this time on the biggest stage in Australian women's football.

Rowe, a household name in Mayo sporting circles, added another chapter to her extraordinary multi-sport career as she played a key role in helping the Central Coast Mariners clinch the A-League Women’s title in a dramatic Grand Final showdown against Melbourne Victory.

Starting at right back, Rowe held her nerve and her line as the Mariners battled through 90 tense minutes and extra time in a gripping encounter.

When the final whistle blew both sides were deadlocked at 1-1, it came down to the lottery of penalties, where the Mariners edged it 5-4 in a heart-stopping shoot-out.

The win marks a remarkable rise for the New South Wales outfit, who only rejoined the A-League Women’s competition two years ago after a 12-year absence due to financial constraints.

Their return has been nothing short of a fairytale, with Rowe playing a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence.

It’s yet another milestone for Rowe, who first burst onto the national scene with the Mayo ladies football team, she also represented Ireland at underage levels in soccer and played for Bohemian’s in the Women’s League of Ireland.

In 2018, she crossed codes and continents, making an instant impact in Australian Rules with Collingwood, where she earned the club’s Best First-Year Player award.

Now, in 2025, she has conquered a new code and a new continent, adding a league winner’s medal to an already glittering sporting career.