Emma Checker
Emma Checker | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 11, 1996 Australia |
| Occupation | Soccer player (defender) |
| Years active | 2011–2024 |
| Known for | Playing for Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Canberra United, Melbourne City; Australian national team defender |
Emma Kay Checker (born 11 March 1996) is a retired Australian professional soccer defender. She has represented Australia across various age groups, including under-17, under-20, and senior levels, making her senior team debut in November 2012 at just 16 years old.
Adelaide United
At the age of 15, Checker made her first appearance for Adelaide United during the 2011–12 W-League season. She featured in seven matches that year and played a role in securing Adelaide's first victory in the W-League after a 34-match winless streak. Continuing with the team for the 2012–13 season, she appeared in eleven games. Notably, on 31 May 2013, Checker broke new ground by becoming the first female player in nearly two decades to participate in an under-18 men's match, representing West Torrens Birkalla against White City.
Melbourne Victory
Checker transferred to Melbourne Victory ahead of the 2013–14 season. She made her debut on 16 November, scoring an early goal despite a 5–1 defeat to Sydney. Her tenure at Melbourne Victory was highlighted by winning the 2014 W-League Grand Final, securing her first championship after defeating Brisbane Roar.
Canberra United
In September 2015, Checker signed with Canberra United. Unfortunately, she sustained an ACL injury on 5 January 2016 that sidelined her for the remainder of the season. She made her comeback on 28 December 2016 against Melbourne Victory, contributing to Canberra's successful campaign that led to winning the 2016–17 W-League premiership.
Hyundai Steel Red Angels
During the off-season following the 2017 W-League campaign, Checker joined South Korean side Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels. Her time there was curtailed due to a knee injury.
Return to Adelaide United
Checker returned to Adelaide United on a two-year deal announced on 22 September 2017. She earned distinction as the youngest captain in W-League history and established herself as one of Australia's premier defenders. Across two seasons, she amassed 41 appearances, placing her fourth on Adelaide’s all-time games played list.
Melbourne City
On 19 September 2019, Checker signed with Melbourne City for the 2019-20 W-League season. She played a key role in a defense that conceded only five goals over 14 matches and helped secure both the Premiership and Championship titles.
Checker renewed her contract for the 2020-21 W-League season on 22 December 2020 and was appointed team captain. After recovering from an injury that kept her out for four months, she returned in Round 4 against Melbourne Victory. In Round 5, she netted her second career W-League goal facing her former club Adelaide United.
In August 2021, Checker extended her stay at Melbourne City for an additional two years while maintaining her captaincy role. After four seasons with the club, she departed in August 2023.
Off-season at FC Fleury 91
Checker signed a two-year contract with French outfit FC Fleury 91 on 15 June 2020 and made her debut in the Division 1 Féminine on 26 September 2020. However, her time there was shortened due to a stress fracture in her fibula.
Off-season period at Selfoss
In April 2021, Checker secured a contract with Selfoss, competing in Iceland's top-tier league, the Úrvalsdeild kvenna.
Temporary move to Umeå
Ahead of the 2022–23 A-League Women campaign, Checker was loaned to the Swedish side Umeå in August 2022 for a three-month stint.
Rejoining Melbourne Victory
In August 2023, Checker made her comeback to Melbourne Victory. She concluded her professional playing career following the completion of the 2023–24 A-League Women season.
International career
Prior to debuting for Adelaide United, Checker represented Australia's under-17 squad in a friendly against New Zealand and took part in the qualifiers for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Her impressive displays earned her an invitation to Australia's senior team training camp in March 2012. At just 16 years old, she was named in the squad for a friendly versus New Zealand but did not feature on the field. Checker officially made her senior international debut on 23 November 2012, completing the entire match in a 4–0 victory over Hong Kong.
After a standout season with Adelaide United, she was recalled to Australia's senior training camp in September 2019 ahead of friendlies against Chile and came off the bench in both November fixtures.
Personal life
Checker earned her Bachelor of Business degree with distinction from Deakin University in 2023, specializing in Public Relations.