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0 Manly United and Sydney FC star Remy Siemsen is still jet-lagged after returning home from seven months in Sweden and though she’s very pleased to see the Australian sun, she won’t miss the 20-plus hours of sunshine at the height of Stockholm’s summer.
“I had to invest in extra-strength blackout blinds,” she laughs. “It takes some getting used to, all that sun. My mum came over for a visit and couldn’t believe it; we’d be out at 11pm and it’s like 3pm here!
“But I had a brilliant time. The Swedish people are cool, and laidback. In that way it’s a lot like the northern beaches!”
Siemsen is back on home turf and will turn out for Sydney FC in their grudge match against Melbourne Victory at Cromer Park on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams are the big hitters of the A-Leagues, with Sydney defending the Premiership and Melbourne the grand final.
Siemsen says her team is right up for the challenge.
“We are so pumped to get out there. We’re defending our title and we’re very keen to get one back on Victory for the grand final.
“It’s going to be a cracking game – fast, physical, entertaining – it always is when we play Victory,” Siemsen says.
Physicality is something that Siemsen says she has improved on after eight months as striker for Allmänna Idrottsklubben, aka AIK Fotbol Club.
“It’s a very physical competition, and very tactical. Sweden is the number two team in the world so their competition is always going to very strong.
“But I had a great time playing there and improved greatly as a player and a person,” Siemsen says.
Good news this week also for Siemsen and Sydney FC fans with the club announcing the re-signing of the 22-year-old two-time A-Leagues Golden Boot winner.
And on Saturday she’s back at Cromer Park, her “home ground”, with a spot in the Matildas looming for next year’s World Cup.
“I’m so excited to be coming back and I want to have a great season of playing and training to get into that squad in the next seven months.
“I love playing for Sydney FC, I feel it’s going to be big season for us and we’ve got another fabulous squad.
“A Grand Final rematch on my home patch is the perfect way to start again,” Siemsen says.
Sydney FC Head Coach Ante Juric says Siemsen’s time in Stockholm can only benefit his team.
“Remy has gained a lot more experience professionally by playing in Sweden over the past eight months and we will benefit from that experience.
“I’m sure she will be desperate to score in front of her home crowd in Manly this Saturday,” Juric says.
Kick off is at 3pm.
