The Matildas right-back has returned to Australia for the national team’s trio of Olympic qualifiers but,as always,everybody just wants a piece of Sam Kerr.
The last time the Matildas played in Perth was in 2018,when a crowd of 7549 watched them rout Thailand at HBF Park. This time about 100,000 will turn out across three games.
After spending her twenties trying to fit in,the Matildas captain is happy to admit she rarely shops in the women’s section.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has named his team for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers,including captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley.
At the World Cup they were sisters in arms leading the Matildas. But as England’s WSL kicks off,Australian teammates Steph Catley and Sam Kerr become fierce,but friendly,rivals.
Never before has the Australian game enjoyed such levels of recognition - which is fitting,because never before has the Australian game reached so high.
Matildas Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or – the first time two Australians have made the shortlist for football’s most prestigious individual award.
A stacked Group G headlines the draw for Europe’s top club competition while the Matildas captain’s own stellar European season has again been rewarded.
Capturing the essence of the Matildas in a statue means showing more than simply their sporting prowess.
Eddie Jones told me he picked Will Skelton as Wallabies captain because he had the capacity to bring the team together. Then I watched it happen before my eyes.
Having wanted to leave a lasting legacy after the World Cup,one of the country’s most recognisable athletes will take it upon herself to develop the next generation - and people can buy one of her franchises.