Perth Glory Women games record-holder Carys Hawkins has been snapped up by Swedish powerhouse Sunnana SK following the completion of the Westfield W-League season.

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The 24-year-old Scarborough resident is coming off the Glory’s most successful W-League campaign yet and has returned to Sweden after playing with Umea Sodra last year.

Sunnana SK plays in the Swedish Women’s Premier League (Damallsvenskan), which is consistently considered one of the top two leagues in women’s football.

WA product Hawkins was understandably thrilled with her signing and sees this as a chance to improve as a player.

“It feels awesome. I’m so lucky to be here!” she said.

“I believe the style of play is much different to what I’m used to, last season (in Sweden) was great as I had an opportunity to develop in different areas of my game.

“Also being in a new environment helped me identify strengths and weaknesses and I was able to use the ample time that I had to work on them.

“The season runs until late October and I hope to achieve success as a team.

“I expect by the end of the season that my football to be of a much higher calibre as well as being stronger and fitter.”

The popular defender also took the time to reflect on the Glory’s history-making season, where the team reached the semi-final, only to see Melbourne Victory win after a controversial penalty shootout.

“Losing the way we did was just the worst,” Hawkins said.

“To be on the field for that long in such heat, and to lose in such a way is really devastating.

“My grandma always thinks penalties should never decide a game, there should just be a rematch or further time added and I think she may have a point.

“It just seems so unfair the way the results turned out, but I suppose that’s football and all due credit must go to Melbourne.”

“If I’m given another opportunity to be part of it next season, I’m sure I’ll take it. If the team next year has the same attitude and focus, we can undoubtedly win it.”

footballwest.com.au