Canberra United legend Ellie Brush has decided to call time on her professional career at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The central defender, who has won two Grand Finals and three League Championships wearing the green of United, will play her final matches for her hometown team in the final weeks of the Liberty A-League campaign.
“After playing for such a long time, I feel the time is right to finish my playing career,” Brush said of the announcement.
“Football has played such a massive part in my life, and I have loved every minute of it. I have some amazing memories of my time both here in Canberra and elsewhere and will always have fond recollections of my time playing in Canberra.
“This club means a huge amount to me on both a professional and personal level. We achieved so much as a team, winning titles and playing some amazing matches in front of the passionate and, outstanding, Canberra crowd.
”It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions from Day One and I have been lucky enough to play with some incredible players and make so many lifelong friends.
“I want to thank everyone for their support throughout the years and we hope to be able to repay you all with finals football this season.”
Brush, who was a foundation member of Canberra United and was named the club’s very first captain in the 2008 season has at the time of writing, played 141 matches, 111 for Canberra United, and scored an impressive 23 goals, a high tally for a central defender.
But it’s not just her on field performances that have made her one of the most treasured fan favourites at McKellar Park and beyond. An amiable personality, a fan-focused disposition, and a media-friendly face, have all combined to make Ellie Brush one of the most likeable personalities in the league.
“Ellie is not just an outstanding footballer but an outstanding human being as well,” Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich confirmed.
“She has achieved so much, and rightly is considered an absolute legend of the game, not just here in Canberra. Her performances have been consistently excellent throughout her career, and it has been a privilege to work with her in the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season.
“I personally wish her all the best in whichever direction her future career takes her but do hope that she stays in the game in some capacity, starting with adding her as a mentor for our club joining her ex-teammates (Gill, Sykes, Begg, Munoz).”
Ellie Brush will take to the field at McKellar Park for the final time in the Liberty A-League match with Melbourne Victory on Saturday 18 March. A special presentation will be made to Ellie on the field of play.
Tickets for the crunch game are on sale now. Help United to ‘Pack the Park’ for this crucial match and pay your tribute to our departing club superstar.
MATCH DETAILS
Liberty A-League
Canberra United v Melbourne Victory
(McKellar Park, 15:00)
Gates Open at 14:00
