Harris, 24, has been a vital cog in the Henwood Park juggernaut since falling in love with the sport 14 years ago and still holds out hope for a future in the W-League.

Now, after years of proving herself against the boys and searching far and wide for the right club, she’s found a home back with the Wagga City Wanderers.

“It’s been such a long time coming, getting a women’s team together out here,” Harris said.

“We’ve got so many good players out here in the Riverina with no pathway and now we’ve finally got something.”

Make no mistake – Harris has done her time trekking around for opportunities.

The centre mid linked up with Sydney University in 2013 and a further season in the Albury-Wodonga competition helped her player development but chances to play at the top level rarely arise in Wagga.

It’s therefore no surprise that Harris was one of the first aboard the Wanderers bandwagon.

“I kind of went full circle after going to Sydney and Albury and was away for a fair bit … so it’s amazing that we’ve got this chance with the Canberra competition.”

“I’ve also wanted to work with (women’s coach) Mick Godbier for ages and I really love his coaching style – he just knows so much and has that higher level experience.

“I think he raises the intensity of training as well which is great because that’s something that’s probably lacking at (Leonard Cup) level.”

Far from deterred at the prospect of a tougher competition, Harris is eager to help the Wanderers make their mark in 2019 – and maybe even realise a sporting dream.

“We haven’t spoke too much about our goals but I think we’re just looking to be competitive, play good quality soccer and play possession.

“If we can finish off and win games, that’s a bonus but I’m not really sure how we’ll go early on.

“I mean, sure, I’d love to even get a chance to train with a W-League club, I guess that’s still the ultimate goal.

“I’ve probably left it a little late now that I’m 24 but I would love to train hard with Wanderers and just see how it goes.”

READ MORE