Denise Lofthouse

Personal Details Date of Birth: 29 July 1966 Place of Birth: Stockton-on-Tees, England Height: Position: Goalkeeper Club Summary Club Games Goals Rockingham (1980-1981) Kelmscott (1982-1985)) Ascot (1985-1987) Gosnells City (1994) Total International Summary Games Goals Australia 'A' (1995) 1 0 Australia 'B' (1995) 1 0

Career Brief

Born in England, Denise Lofthouse moved to Australia at the age of 14, initially settling in Melbourne but within months the family had relocated to Perth. Her football career began as a centre forward with Rockingham City where she was the top goal scorer in her debut season. Midway through 1981 she transferred to Kelmscott, and when the clubs' regular goalkeeper moved interstate the following year it was Lofthouse who took over between the posts.

Lofthouse gained State honours for the first time for the 1982 national championship. The following year she was voted Goalkeeper of the Year and in 1983 played a key role in Kelmscott finishing the regular season in top spot. Her starring role at the 1984 national championship was rewarded with national selection, however, Lofthouse declined the invitation due to being unable to raise the funds to make the trip to Taiwan.

By 1985 Lofthouse had moved to Ascot where she collected further league and cup titles, donning State colours at that years’ national championship. Another league win in 1986 led to her selection in the State team, however, increasing work commitments meant she would miss the tournament. Lofthouse retired from playing in 1987 but she remained active in the game as a registered match referee.

Lofthouse returned to playing with Gosnells City in 1994 and gained State selection after Tracey Wheeler injured her knee. A strong showing at the national championship resulted in Lofthouse making her international debut against New Zealand in March 1995. The following month she was part of the Australia squad that defeated Argentina and Brazil to capture the Havelange Trophy in Brazil. She hung up her gloves for the last time soon after returning from that trip.

Matildas Game by Game

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This page was last updated on the 1st July, 2011