Harry Van Der Saag Comes Home
Harry van der Saag comes home to Cromer Park! Manly United FC announces the return of homegrown talent Harry van der Saag, who joins the NPL team for the 2025 season after several years in the A-League.
“We are delighted to welcome Harry back to Cromer Park. We are incredibly proud of his progression from a Manly United junior to a professional A-League player,” said Patrick Zwaanswijk, Head Coach. “Alongside his outstanding ability, we look forward to him inspiring our youth teams and young players, showing them what it takes—both on and off the field—to compete at the level he has achieved.”
The 26-year-old northern beaches local played junior football for both Narrabeen FC and CC Strikers, before joining Manly United’s junior programs as a 10-year-old. Progressing through Manly United’s youth program, he earned the attention of Sydney FC, making the switch to their academy in 2016. Harry made his A-League debut for Sydney FC in 2019 and would go on to play for Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar. Harry earned an international cap in 2019, representing Australia U-23 in their successful Dazu Cup campaign in China.
As someone who has travelled the representative pathway, Harry is enjoying his role in guiding the younger members of the Senior Men’s squads:
“I’m excited to be coming home to Cromer Park. I am looking forward to having a big impact as a player, and importantly as a leader and mentor, particularly to the younger boys in the squad. I want them to enjoy their football and I’m here to give them a helping hand along the way.”
Harry is clear about his ambitions for this season.
“I want to win of course! Win the league! We want to win as many games as possible, and in the end, we want to be up there come finals time. I am excited to do that with these guys, back at my home club, playing a brand of football that I love and with Patrick, who was my coach when I made my debut in China.”
He is also looking forward to the Manly Friday night men’s home games.
“I love Friday night home games! It’s always a great atmosphere here at Cromer and I enjoy the evening time slot. It also means I have the weekend free to watch and support my mates in the local Manly Warringah Football competition. I think that’s awesome.”
Manly United’s season opener is on this Friday 7 February at Cromer Park, where they take on Central Coast Mariners. Kick-off is 7.30pm (Under 20s kick off at 5.30pm). The Men’s first grade game will be streamed at the Live tab on the Football NSW YouTube page.
