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  • Key question in Sam Kerr’s case explained as Matildas superstar’s court battle continues

    Key question in Sam Kerr’s case explained as Matildas superstar’s court battle continues

    The date is August 20, 2023, and Sam Kerr is the biggest superstar in Australian sport.

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    The Matildas captain is dancing on stage, grabbing a microphone from pop icon Nikki Webster in front of more than 5000 fans as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk prepares to gift the team the “Keys to the City of Brisbane” following their enthralling 2023 World Cup campaign.

    It is this picture that makes Sam Kerr’s five-day trial at Kingston Crown Court in London so much more significant than the potential threat of six months imprisonment.

    That is the reality the Chelsea striker is facing as she continues to defend herself this week after being charged with causing racially aggravated harassment to a police officer.

    The charges relate to a drunken night out in January, 2023, where the 31-year-old was alleged to have caused criminal damage to a taxi before calling police constable Stephen Lovell “f***ing stupid and white.”

    Footage from PC Lovell’s body camera has been particularly confronting for some fans to view.

    Matildas star Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis. Photo: Instagram.Source: Supplied
    Kristie Mewis and Sam Kerr kiss. Photo: Instagram.Source: Supplied

    Could Sam Kerr face jail time?

    Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the offence of racially aggravated harassment to a police officer.

    The offence carries a maximum sentence of 26 weeks in jail under UK law.

    The offence also includes a maximum financial penalty of around $500 (£2500).

    The damage to her reputation would be much more significant.

    Kerr is Australia’s highest paid female footballer and earned $3.3 million in 2023.

    Will Sam Kerr remain captain of the Matildas?

    Football Australia has refused to guarantee Kerr will remain captain of the national team.

    Interim coach Tom Sermanni said on Tuesday it would be “unwise” for him to comment on Kerr’s future while there remains no outcome in the ongoing trial.

    Football Australia boss James Johnson also asked for fans to wait until the end of the trial before making their own judgments.

    Sam Kerr is congratulated by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo by Mark Metcalfe – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
    Sam Kerr sings with Nikki Webster. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire.Source: News Corp Australia

    “We understand that there will be some disappointment out there (from fans), but what we would ask is that we all wait out,” Johnson said on Wednesday.

    “We know there’s a 30-second, 40-second clip out there but we also know there’s a 30-minute video out there which certainly we haven’t seen.

    “What we need to do we need to give Sam the opportunity to go through the trial.

    “Once we complete the trial, then we’ll have a holistic view of what’s happened.”

    Kerr’s captaincy was called into question by Socceroos legend Craig Foster before he backflipped and apologised to her in March, 2024, when new claims about her comments were revealed.

    Talkback radio segments on Wednesday were flooded with calls for Kerr to be stripped of the captaincy. 2GB host Ben Fordham promoted calls from listeners that said they were “disgusted” with Kerr and added she “can’t captain again”.

    Her future with her English Super League club Chelsea has not come into any doubt.

    Coach Sonia Bompastor said Kerr has her support, but added her knee injury is still keeping her away from teammates, forcing her to train on an individual program.

    How has the Sam Kerr saga played out?

    January 29, 2023: Sam Kerr scores a hat trick in the club’s FA Cup showdown with Liverpool at Kingsmeadow. The 3-2 win sees Chelsea progress to the fifth round of the competition.

    January 30, 2023: Sam Kerr celebrates her performance with a night out with partner Kristie Mewis. Kerr mentioned earlier in the trial that she was “intoxicated”. It is alleged one of the women vomited in a taxi they booked to take them back to their London home.

    Body-cam footage of Sam Kerr after taxi cab incident. Source: TwitterSource: Twitter
    Sam Kerr arrives outside the Crown Court. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images

    Kerr has alleged the driver acted “crazy” and refused to let them leave. The driver called police and drove to Twickenham Police Station where police allegedly noticed a broken window, glass on the ground outside the vehicle and damage to the plastic guard inside the taxi. Kerr is held in custody and speaks with Police Constable Stephen Lovell. Body camera footage shows her calling Lovell “stupid and white”. Footage also shows Kerr describing the taxi driver as a “f***ing liar” and a “stupid c**t”.

    January 31, 2023: Kerr returns to Twickenham Police Station where she is formally interviewed by police constable Ryan Skinner for 20 minutes. Kerr tells Skinner she would say sorry if she was now able to say something to Lovell.

    December, 2023: Lovell submits a second statement saying he was “shocked, upset, and (left) me feeling humiliated”. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) originally decided not to charge Kerr.

    January 21, 2024: Kerr is charged with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.

    March 4, 2024: Kerr pleads not guilty.

    April, 2024: Hearings were delayed after the Crown Prosecution Service were unable to gather enough evidence, including CCTV footage, to cross examine the football superstar.

    January 15, 2025: Sam Kerr appears at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court where her hopes of having the case dismissed before it goes to trial are dashed.

    February 4: The case begins on the opening day with prosecution showing 30 minutes of footage captured on Lovell’s body camera.

    February 5: Lovell is challenged over why it took him 11 months to mention the “stupid and white” comment having an impact on him.

    February 6: Sam Kerr is expected to give evidence in court.

    Matildas star Sam Kerr is engaged to Kristie Mewis. Picture: InstagramSource: Supplied
    The couple confirmed the news in an exclusive interview, after Kristie was spotted wearing a stunning engagement ring. Picture: InstagramSource: Supplied

    2025 will be the biggest year of Sam Kerr’s life

    Sam Kerr and American partner Kristie Mewis in November announced they are expecting their first child together.

    Kerr, 31, and Mewis, 33, have been together since 2021 and got engaged in 2023. Mewis confirmed they were engaged in November after several weeks of speculation fuelled in part by social posts featuring her wearing a diamond ring on her engagement finger.

    It is also a huge year for her on the field with massive doubts about the star striker’s ability to remain at her elite-level of performance after so much time on the sidelines.

    She missed the entire 2024 calendar year after rupturing the ACL in her knee.

    She was expected to have returned to training by now, but her recovery is taking longer than most serious knee injuries.

    Kerr was not selected in the Matildas squad for the SheBelievesCup, however, Sermani stressed that was only because of her fitness.

    Chelsea has also said Kerr is expected to return to training with her teammates soon.

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  • WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja brings out his trademark sword celebration after hitting a gritty fifty on Day 4 of Gabba Test – AUS vs IND

    WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja brings out his trademark sword celebration after hitting a gritty fifty on Day 4 of Gabba Test – AUS vs IND

    In a riveting display of resilience and skill, Indian star Ravindra Jadeja has once again captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide with his trademark sword celebration after reaching a gritty half-century on Day 4 of the Gabba Test against Australia. The moment was not just about personal achievement but also about showcasing the never-say-die spirit of the Indian veteran star.

    A gritty half-ton under pressure

    The match at the Gabba, known for its notoriously challenging conditions for visiting teams, has been a battleground where every run is fought hard. Jadeja, coming back into the playing XI after missing the first two Tests, demonstrated his value by standing firm when the team needed him the most. His fifty, his 22nd in Test cricket, was crucial in a situation where India was looking to stabilize their innings and avoid the follow-on.

    Jadeja’s innings was not just about the numbers; it was about the context. Facing an Australian attack on a pitch that was offering assistance to the bowlers, Jadeja played both defensively and aggressively, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking while also putting pressure back on the opposition. His partnership with KL Rahul, whose gritty performance was trending on social media, helped India navigate through a tricky phase of the game.

    Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Rohit Sharma taunts Akash Deep in frustration during Day 3 of the Third Test

    The iconic sword celebration

    Upon reaching his fifty, Jadeja performed his well-known sword celebration, a gesture that has become as iconic as his all-round abilities on the field. This celebration, where he swings his bat like a sword, is not just a personal trademark but also resonates with fans as a symbol of his warrior-like approach to cricket.

    The celebration has its roots in Jadeja’s Rajput heritage, symbolizing courage and valor, traits that he embodies on the cricket pitch. Each time he brings out this celebration, it’s a moment of joy for fans, a sign that he’s not just playing the game but dominating it with his unique flair.

    Here is the video:

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Isa Guha offers apology over her controversial comment on Jasprit Bumrah during Gabba Test



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  • Kerr question lingers amid crucial Matildas change; ‘ideal’ new coach revealed: Talking Pts

    Kerr question lingers amid crucial Matildas change; ‘ideal’ new coach revealed: Talking Pts

    There won’t be an international window like the one the Matildas have just experienced until after the World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

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    Results from the two games against the South American champions and the pair of fixtures against Chinese Taipei were both everything and, at the same time, completely irrelevant compared to other objectives.

    Impressive crowds followed the team from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and on to Victoria and winning for those who paid their hard-earned money will always be the goal. However, with continental and global silverware up for grabs over the next two and a half years, those games will be the last where player selections, formations and form won’t be scrutinised heavily for some time.

    Stylish Tillies crush Chinese Taipei | 03:08

    THE SELL OUT CROWD STREAK

    The Matildas streak of selling out stadiums on home soil stopped at 16.

    47,501 packed into Suncorp Stadium and 25,297 rocked up on the Gold Coast for the games against Brazil.

    The 26,795 in attendance at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first match against Chinese Taipei fell just shy of ensuring the house full sign went up.

    The teams who featured on the sellout list make the length of the streak even more impressive.

    It started with 50,629 packing into Marvel Stadium for the last fixture the side played before the Women’s World Cup, against France, in 2023.

    By the time the full-time whistle went in their third-placed play-off defeat to Sweden in Brisbane the streak sat at eight.

    The wave of enthusiasm didn’t wane after the World Cup.

    59,155 were at Optus Stadium in Perth for an Olympic qualifier against the Philippines. That fixture was wedged either side of sellouts at HBF Park against Iran and Chinese Taipei.

    54,120 against Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne saw them seal qualification for the games in Paris while 76,798 were in attendance at Accor Stadium in Sydney for a clash with China. It doubled as a farewell match for the side prior to the ill-fated Olympic campaign and veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ final game on home soil before retirement.

    That figure is almost unheard of for a Monday night in Sydney and it came off the back of 52,912 at Adelaide Oval for the first game against China.

    Those are remarkable numbers.

    THE COACH SEARCH

    When will Football Australia settle on Tony Gustavsson’s replacement as Matildas coach?

    All the governing body will confirm is that the search is ongoing.

    It’s been ongoing since August and is likely to continue into 2025.

    There are six international windows next year as the side prepares for the Asian Cup on home soil in March of 2026. The side will head to America in the first of those windows in February for the SheBelieves Cup. They’ll take on Japan, the USA and Colombia and it’s unclear, at this stage, if the search for a coach would’ve concluded by then.

    Players, former players and pundits have all aired their opinions over the last few weeks on the qualities the new coach should possess.

    The man currently filling the void, Tom Sermanni, also had some thoughts.

    “Somebody young,” the 70-year-old quipped when asked.

    “Ideally its someone that has to be here; that has to be invested in the game here, that has to take greater responsibility than just a one singular national team.

    “That would be the ideal role.”

    That would require any foreign candidate to relocate and immerse themselves in pathways programs.

    In the meantime, Sermanni has turned his attention to the SheBelieves Cup.

    “I’m in here as a coach. I haven’t thought about it as if I’m just here in the interim. What I’ve tried to do is do what I would’ve done had I come in here under a two, three or a four-year contract.”

    Incredible story behind Tillies new star | 01:12

    THE YOUNG AND THE RETURNING

    The experience of Sermanni – this is his third stint as coach of the Matildas – perhaps explains why Football Australia feel like they’ve got time to settle on the right coaching candidate.

    He’s already set about building depth in the squad. Sermanni created headlines – something the affable Scot is not prone to doing – by saying depth building was something the program hadn’t done well enough. It was seen as a shot at Gustavsson and was widely reported as such. He was at pains to clarify on Friday that he meant it was a decade old problem that Football Australia needs to address.

    Either way, it’s a valid point on the road to the Asian Cup and World Cup.

    His solution, so far, has been to not just name generation next in the squad, but actually give them game time.

    Bryleeh Henry, Daniela Galic, Winonah Heatley, Sharn Freier, Natasha Prior and Leah Davidson all got minutes at stages, and none looked out of place at international level.

    Freier is the most established of those players and looks increasingly dangerous with every appearance.

    “I think the first thing that we learned is that some players have come in and really stepped up to the level that we’re playing at,” Sermanni said.

    “We actually have some talent around that we need to try to utilise a little bit better.”

    More established players like Emily Gielnik, Chloe Logarzo and Remy Siemsen, who missed the profile boom of World Cup induced Matildas-mania, have also returned to the fold.

    A mix of the young and the returning will be required for the side to get its hands on silverware.

    CLARITY ON SAM KERR

    Sam Kerr has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury since suffering the setback at a Chelsea training camp in January.

    Hard details around her recovery have been difficult to come by since.

    Now, new Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has provided a ballpark timeframe for Kerr’s return.

    “We are looking to have her back with us in February, March, not before that,” Bompastor said.

    “She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.”

    That means the SheBelieves Cup will, most likely, come too soon and Chelsea would surely hold reservations about Kerr departing for international duty if she was only just back on the park.

    Having Kerr fit and firing for the Asian Cup in 2026 and the World Cup in 2027 must be the goal after an injury interrupted run at the last edition before missing the Olympics in Paris completely.

    Tillies snap losing streak with 3-1 win | 01:34

    THE HARDEST MOMENT TO WATCH

    Chloe Logarzo made her first appearance for the Matildas since October 2022 in the game at AAMI Park against Chinese Taipei.

    After a lively first half-hour spent cleverly linking up with the strike pairing of Emily Gielnik and Michelle Heyman, a head clash while competing for a ball saw her night come to an end.

    The next day she was ruled out of the second match in Geelong.

    “She has got the old egg on the side of her head at the moment,” Sermanni said after the AAMI Park game.

    “She is devastated at having to go off. She waited quite a long time to get back in the team.”

    It’s not hard to understand why Logarzo was pleading for the medical staff to let her continue.

    The 29-year-old has had a horror run with injuries.

    The midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during a friendly against Ireland in September of 2021.

    Issues with her foot followed the completion of rehabilitation on her knee.

    Logarzo wasn’t fit enough for the World Cup and turned television pundit for the tournament instead.

    The Western United star will be desperate to be on the pitch instead of in a TV studio when the Asian Cup rolls around.

    The tears that followed her substitution in Melbourne were a raw and honest expression of how cruel professional sport can be.

    THE BEST MOMENT OF THE FOUR MATCHES

    Clare Polkinghorne take a bow.

    You know you’ve made it when you enter the Australian consciousness just by your nickname.

    “Polks” got a celebration game against Brazil in-front of family and friends in her home state in Queensland and then a farewell game against Chinese Taipei in Geelong.

    The defender made her international debut in 2006 against China in Shanghai as a 16-year-old and went on to be picked for five World Cups, five Asian Cups and three Olympic Games.

    The 35-year-old exits the game with 169 appearances for the Matildas to her name that saw her go from playing in-front of small crowds to selling out stadiums.

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  • ‘Things that I should also never take for granted’: Fowler pulls out of Matildas in shock move

    ‘Things that I should also never take for granted’: Fowler pulls out of Matildas in shock move

    Mary Fowler has withdrawn from the Matildas with Football Australia saying the star player needs to take time away to mentally recover.

    The Manchester City forward will not be with her Aussie teammates in upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Chinese Tapei and she will instead spend time with family in Australia as she recovers from mental and physical fatigue.

    Football Australia announced changes to the Matildas squad for the end-of-year internationals on Thursday, but news about Fowler’s withdrawal only emerged on Sunday night.

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    The 21-year-old said in the Football Australia media release she will be heading home to Australia, but won’t be in action for the four match-stretch, which begins with a blockbuster match against Brazil on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

    “Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted,” Fowler said.

    “It’s an incredible honour to represent Australia every time I put the jersey on.

    “I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted.

    Mary Fowler showing her support for Nathan. Picture: InstagramSource: Supplied
    Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler on their European getawaySource: Supplied

    “Over the past few months, playing with an increasingly demanding schedule has been both exciting but at times also challenging.

    “I love being able to play at the top level of my sport, but recognising that sometimes my mind and body also need to rest has been an invaluable lesson for me.

    “Therefore, I’ve decided to take this time to prioritise recovery in order to refresh both mentally and physically, so that I can continue to put my best self forward for both club and country. I really appreciate everyone’s support and understanding, and I hope to see you all soon.”

    Fowler is the second player to withdraw from the camp for mental health reasons with Cortnee Vine revealing last week she would also not be playing to prioritise her own health.

    Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler were last week medically withdrawn.

    Gorry sustained a shoulder injury in West Ham’s Women’s Super League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

    Wheeler was also made unavailable due to a lower leg injury she suffered in action for Everton.

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  • Socceroos rescued in 96th-min madness as Popovic avoids disaster in WC thriller

    Socceroos rescued in 96th-min madness as Popovic avoids disaster in WC thriller

    A stoppage-time equaliser from Kusini Yengi has saved the Socceroos from complete disaster in Riffa against Bahrain.

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    Socceroos score in 38 seconds! | 00:29

    Leading 1-0 deep into the second-half, the Australians conceded twice in the space of two minutes through a brace from Bahrain substitute Mahdi Abduljabbar before Yengi’s second goal of the contest ensured the FIFA World Cup qualifier finished in a 2-2 draw.

    The point moved the Socceroos into second spot, nine points behind Group C leaders Japan, in the third-round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.

    However, second place, which brings with it automatic qualification to the 2026 World remains well and truly up for grabs, with four teams – Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China – only one point behind Australia.

    While the draw was better than nothing, the Socceroos should have put the game to bed before Bahrain’s second-half fightback.

    The visitors made a dream start, going ahead inside the first minute through Yengi,

    Called into the starting side at the expense of veteran marksman Mitch Duke, Yengi pounced on a weak back pass from Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer before rounding goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla and guiding the ball into the back of the net.

    Australia’s forward #9 Kusini Yengi shoots to score his team’s first goal past Bahrain’s goalkeeper #22 Ebrahim Lutfalla during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group C football match between Bahrain and Australia at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa on November 19, 2024. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP)Source: AFP

    Yengi should have doubled Australia’s lead in the 24th minute after being fed by midfielder Riley McGree but he was foiled by Lutfalla.

    Chances continued to fall Yengi’s way, with the woodwork denying the Portsmouth striker on the hour mark,

    A poor first-touch soon after proved costly for Yengi when he had another good opportunity to increase Australia’s lead.

    Concerns grow for Socceroos after escape | 04:44

    Bahrain then had a chance to equaliser in the 64th-minute but Ebrahim Al-Khatal’s goal-bound shot was well blocked by Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess.

    However, the Bahrainis found an equaliser in the 75th minute through a spectacular 40-metre effort from Abduljabbar.

    The midfielder pounced on defender Burgess’ clumsy attempt to control a long ball with a speculative strike that caught recalled goalkeeper Mat Ryan off his line as it sailed into the back of the net.

    Kusini Yengi slides the ball past Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla to give Australia the lead. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

    Worse to follow in the 77th minute when Abduljabbar netted from close range after a cross from Mahdi Al-Humaidan was deflected on to the post by debutant Socceroos defender Hayden Matthews.

    Abduljabbar was first to the rebound, with his second of the contest putting Australia on the brink of disaster.

    However, Yengi’s late goal from close range ensured the points were shared.

    Socceroos coach Tony Popovic made six changes to the side that started in last Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Melbourne

    Captain and goalkeeper Ryan started for the first time since September’s departure of former coach Graham Arnold, replacing Joe Gauci, who had been the Socceroos’ gloveman in the first three games of Tony Popovic’s reign as national boss.

    Sydney FC’s 20-year-old defender Matthews was given his Socceroos debut, coming into the side for Melbourne Victory’s Jason Geria.

    Matthews’ Sydney teammate Anthony Caceres, who made his maiden national team appearance off the bench last week, also started, being preferred to Belgium-based midfielder Aiden O’Neill.

    Melbourne City skipper Aziz Behich was another of the squad’s A-League brigade given a start, with former City left-back Jordy Bos dropping back to the bench.

    Further forward, Craig Goodwin returned from suspension to displace Ajdin Hrustic from the starting side, while Portsmouth attacker Yengi was given the nod at the expense of Duke.

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  • Interim Matildas coach tight-lipped on stars’ availability as 36-player squad named

    Interim Matildas coach tight-lipped on stars’ availability as 36-player squad named

    Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni is keeping plans for his biggest stars close to his chest as a mammoth 36-player squad was named for four upcoming friendlies at home.

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    All available first-choice players, including captain Steph Catley, Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross, were named to feature during the November-December matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei but appear destined to be used sporadically.

    World Cup penalty shootout hero Cortnee Vine again asked not to be considered for the squad and Sam Kerr also remained sidelined as she gradually closes in on a return from her ACL injury.

    Sermanni said Kerr was “coming on well” in rehab as he denied there had been any significant setbacks since her injury in January.

    Maiden international call-ups were handed to six players: US-based goalkeeper Morgan Aquino and A-League Women quintet Leah Davidson, Isobel Gomez, Hana Lowry and Natasha Prior.

    He also recalled trio Emily Gielnik, Chloe Logarzo and Alex Chidiac, who fell out of favour under predecessor Tony Gustavsson.

    Melbourne Victory playmaker Alex Chidiac (left) has earnt a Matildas recall in a 36-player squad for the November-December international window. Picture: Morgan Hancock / Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

    Sermanni hinted a range of players would only be available for the front or back half of the window but said he hoped to blend experience with inexperience across the four line-ups.

    Gustavsson infamously fielded a second-string side in the corresponding window last year against Canada, who thrashed the Matildas 5-0.

    “We won’t have 36 players with us for the whole camp. To be honest, that becomes too onerous, too unwieldy and impossible to work with – the numbers become too big,” Sermanni said on Friday.

    “It’s preferable to have a blended team. The reality is whatever we play and whenever we play, we still want to put a team out that’s going to win games.

    “It’s getting the balance right between winning games, putting strong teams out, and also giving players opportunity at the same time.”

    Sermanni said he had spoken to Vine in the past week as the speedy winger remained unavailable for selection by her own choosing.

    The 26-year-old left Sydney FC to join North Carolina Courage in June and returned to the pitch after a month-long absence as a substitute on Sunday.

    Matildas winger Cortnee Vine remains absent from national duty despite a mammoth 36-player squad being named for four friendlies later this month. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

    “Cortnee has just chosen at this stage not be considered to be selected,” Sermanni said.

    “We’ve had a chat before the last window and we’ve had a chat within the last week – she’s good, but she’s just not available for these upcoming games.”

    The veteran coach repeated there was “no set time” on his interim tenure as he said his focus would remain on developing talent as if he was on a long-term deal.

    “We’re at the beginning of the four-year cycle, and this is a critical time,” he said.

    “You need to take every opportunity you can get to look at players and to see what players you think have got the ability to step up to international level, and you often can’t do that until you get them into camp.”

    Defensive stalwart Clare Polkinghorne will make her 168th and final appearance for the Matildas in a hometown farewell against Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on November 28.

    “We’ll have a sit down with Clare and work out what … most importantly, is the best thing is for her,” Sermanni said.

    “She’s given almost 20 years of service to this national team, been a stalwart in the Matildas for all of this time, and whatever she needs on the night, is what we’ll do.”

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  • ‘Couldn’t stop thinking about it’: Matilda’s star reflects on ‘special’ drought-breaking goal

    ‘Couldn’t stop thinking about it’: Matilda’s star reflects on ‘special’ drought-breaking goal

    Scoring wonder goals at training is nothing unusual for Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross, so when she finally got the chance to unleash from a considerable distance in match, she wasn’t going to pass it up.

    Cooney-Cross celebrated her 50th Matildas appearance in style on Tuesday morning (AEDT), finding the back of the net with a spectacular 30-plus metre effort that caught goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line in Australia’s 2-1 win over Germany in Duisburg.

    “Some of the girls made comments before that I do that in training all the time, but I’ve never had the chance to do it in a game because I’m a lot deeper playing as a (defensive midfielder),” she said.

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    “(Against Germany) I got the opportunity to play higher up (the pitch) … and I guess I got the opportunity (to shoot) and I took it.

    “I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I scored.”

    Cooney-Cross told the Matildas website that scoring her first goal for Australia was also a “big relief”.

    “It’s a surreal moment. I’m feeling very proud and grateful,” the 22-year-old Queenslander said.

    Matildas take down Euro heavyweights | 02:29

    “It’s finally happened, (and) especially in a big game, it makes it even more special.

    “I’m so grateful to get 50 caps. I definitely wouldn’t be here without a few of the girls sticking by my side and helping me get there.”

    The Arsenal midfielder is relishing the prospect of returning home for matches in Queensland and Victoria against Brazil (November 28 and December 1) and Chinese Taipei (December 4 and 7).

    “I miss it so much. The first thing you do when you go and sing the national anthem, you look for your family and friends,” she said.

    “It’s been a while since we’ve done that, so I miss it, and we all can’t wait to be back home.”

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  • Matildas veteran opens up on revival and full-circle moment keeping career alive

    Matildas veteran opens up on revival and full-circle moment keeping career alive

    There was a brief moment, in between Michelle Heyman’s phone ringing and the striker answering the call from interim national team manager Tom Sermanni, where uncertainty filled the void.

    “I actually got really hot and uncomfortable for a minute, because it was just a nice feeling to know that he sees me as a player within this team as well,” Heyman said from the sides training base in Zurich.

    A new four-year cycle gets underway this week when the Matildas play friendlies against Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland on Saturday morning (AEDT), and Paris Olympic bronze medallists, Germany, in Duisburg, three days later.

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    At 36, Heyman has been given the chance to continue her remarkable return to the international arena.

    Earlier this year, with former Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson looking for a replacement for injured captain Sam Kerr, she was recalled for an Olympic qualifier against Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

    It marked her first appearance for Australia in six-years and came after a brief retirement from international football in 2019.

    Heyman has been picked for every camp since, returning the faith shown in her, with seven goals in eight appearances, including a 90th minute winner in a 6-5 thriller against Zambia in Nice, that kept Australia’s, ultimately ill-fated, Olympic campaign alive.

    However, it would only be natural to wonder whether a new era would bring generational change.

    The only problem with that when it comes to Heyman, is that her international hiatus actually re-ignited her passion for the game, and the veteran feels like anything but someone coming to the end of their career.

    “I want to be better.

    “I want to continue to be within the Matildas for as long as possible. I want to stay as healthy and fit as I can so I can always perform.”

    The first big landmark on the road to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia in 2026.

    Heyman is intent on being part of that tournament on home soil, after taking in the Matildas game-changing World Cup exploits in 2023, from the stands.

    “It’s massive,” said Heyman.

    “It was a pretty cool experience to be in the stands for the World Cup, as a player during that time, but it did give me all the fire in the belly to want to be out on that field.

    “I hold that World Cup very close to me. I feel that has changed my life and it has re-sparked that drive I had to be in this team.

    “I keep that really close to me because I will use that energy that I got from watching those games to continue to push me and to keep fighting to be there for the Asian Cup.”

    Sermanni, who shares a special history with Heyman, has given her that chance.

    “He was the coach who gave me my debut, so I’ve got great respect for him,” she said.

    “He’s an incredible human, extremely happy all the time. He brings a really positive vibe into this environment.”

    That debut came in a 2-2 draw against North Korea in Brisbane in 2010.

    Much has changed for player and coach since then.

    “I still remember my debut and I remember feeling like a headless chook running out on the field, wasting all my energy within the first sprint because I was so nervous, and couldn’t believe I was playing for my country,” she said.

    “Now, when I look back, even at our last games in the Olympics, I just feel so confident and comfortable within myself and my position.

    “I know the game so well now, so I’ve got all those years of experience behind me and it just brings so much confidence for myself personally.”

    The games against Switzerland and Germany represent a chance for the side to move on from their disastrous Olympic campaign.

    They went to France with sights set on an historic gold medal, and instead failed to get out of, albeit, a difficult group, containing Germany, Zambia and the United States.

    “I think that’s the way I’m most definitely looking at it.

    “The results weren’t the best results and it wasn’t what we wanted during the Olympics.

    “We really wanted to be better, we wanted to come home with medals, we wanted to be the best team possible for our country, but that wasn’t the answer for us.

    “This camp, I think everyone is going to change their mindset and try and be as positive as possible, work extremely hard and try and come away with some great results.

    “These are two games coming up that are going to be extremely challenging. They’re both quality countries to play against, so it’s going to be a big test for us to see where we’re at.”

    The Canberra United goal-machine is confident she can continue to mix it with the best while remaining in the A-League Women competition.

    A move to Women’s Super League side West Ham almost eventuated during the long off-season, but she decided against taking up a short-term contract with the Hammers that could’ve seen her potentially cut loose in December.

    Instead, Heyman signed a new one-year deal with Canberra.

    “The professionalism that I saw, I do believe Australia is the same standard.

    “I know that within Canberra United our standards are very high. I think West Ham and Canberra are very similar, especially the facilities, the amount of staff, we pretty much are the exact same.

    “I’m still able to push myself within the environment I have here in Australia and as long as I can continue to score goals, stay fit and be the footballer that I am, I see my chances of continuing to be in this national team for as long as I keep pushing really hard.”

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  • Former NBA star’s stunning finish to secure 36ers victory and block Kings’ surge

    Former NBA star’s stunning finish to secure 36ers victory and block Kings’ surge

    The DJ Vasiljevic-inspired Adelaide 36ers saw off a furious second-half fightback by the Sydney Kings on Friday night to score an entertaining 10-point victory and make it three wins in a row.

    Playing in an at-times heated contest against his old side, Vasiljevic shot a game-high 26 points to stretch the Sixers’ winning run at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to seven games.

    The Kings started brightly but were hampered by injuries, with Jaylen Adams unable to take part in the second half and Xavier Cooks hampered throughout.

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    Despite those setbacks, Sydney was still well in the contest late until Montrezl Harrell iced the game in his trademark style, the fan favourite taking flight to stuff home an athletic two-handed jam with a minute left on the clock.

    Harrell was quiet early but instrumental down the stretch, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds, with Kendric Davis and Isaac Humphries also double-digit scorers.

    Sydney coach Brian Goorjian had to reach deep into his bench, but was unable to find a winning combination, import Cam Oliver with a team-high 16 points.

    DJ GETS HOT

    Adelaide ranked near the top of the league in most offensive statistics after four games, but was last in defensive rating heading into the clash with the high-scoring Kings, so a shootout was always on the cards and that’s exactly how proceedings kicked off.

    Most of the action was from long range in the opening minutes, with the Sixers the league’s top-ranked three-point percentage shooting team, with both teams averaging just over 11 triples made per match.

    The visitors blasted out of the blocks with an 8-0 run and were 3-from-3 from outside the arc in the early going, with the 36ers missing their first two three-point attempts in a disjointed start.

    But as Vasiljevic got hot, the Kings went cold, going 0-from-5 from three-point range, with the home side charging to a four-point lead at the first break on the back of 12 points to DJ.

    Former MVP leads Kings to road win | 01:11

    MEDICAL ROOM

    Sydney star Adams went to the bench in the second quarter with a lower back complaint and couldn’t make it back onto the court in a major blow to the visitors.

    Cooks was also subdued with just six points in the first half, with some suggestion the star skipper was battling illness.

    The Kings didn’t have a double-digit scorer at the main break, Keli Leaupepe with a team-high eight points.

    With Davis and Humphries warming to the task, Adelaide went on 21-9 run to lead by as much as 16 before settling for 12-point halftime lead.

    But with their backs against the wall, the Kings defied the odds to fight back, Cameron Oliver stepping up with nine points in the third quarter as the visitors went on a 13-3 run to slash the margin to just six points heading into the final term.

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  • Socceroos shake-up as new coach names eight fresh faces, PL player comes out of retirement

    Socceroos shake-up as new coach names eight fresh faces, PL player comes out of retirement

    New Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has rejected suggestions that a “sales pitch” was needed to coax Massimo Luongo out of international retirement after the English Premier League midfielder was named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

    Popovic, who last month replaced Graham Arnold as Socceroos coach, on Friday announced an extended 26-man squad, with the inclusion of 32-year-old Luongo the biggest talking point after the Ipswich Town player last year announced his retirement from international football.

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    Gauci impresses in debut for Aston Villa | 00:43

    Other changes from the squad selected for last month’s matches against Bahrain and Indonesia included the selections of Melbourne Victory trio Daniel Arzani, Jason Geria and Nishan Velupillay, fit-again players Jordan Bos, Riley McGree and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Italian-based playmaker Ajdin Hrustic and Norway-based Gianni Stensness.

    Missing from the squad that lost 1-0 to Bahrain and drew 0-0 with Indonesia are injured trio Alessandro Circati (knee), Martin Boyle (wrist) and Kusini Yengi (groin) and omitted quintet Connor Metcalfe, Awer Mabil, Adam Taggart, Cameron Devlin and Josh Nisbet.

    “There will be disappointed players … (but) if they’re not here, their chances of playing for Australia (in the future) do not diminish,” Popovic said.

    “The next camp in November, we may have a very different squad.”

    Popovic said Luongo’s inclusion in Australia’s squad for next Thursday’s clash with China in Adelaide and the October 15 game against Japan in Saitama did not come as a result of the new national team coach having to “sell” the idea to the 2015 Asian Cup winner.

    “I didn’t have conversations with Massimo, but obviously people within the organisation did,” he said.

    “He’s made himself available and he became an option for us, and I wanted to bring him into this camp.

    “There is no sales pitch. I’d be worried if I have to sell to a player a reason to play for the Socceroos.

    “I will never do it. If you’re selected, you should be honoured, you should be privileged … and if that’s an issue for any player, I’d advise them not to make themselves available.”

    Jason Geria is back in the Socceroos squad. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

    Victory winger Velupillay has been called into the national squad for the first time, while 31-year-old right-back Geria is hoping to add to his sole Socceroos cap that he earnt eight years ago.

    Playmaker Arzani’s inclusion is perhaps surprising after he was left out of the Victory’s Australia Cup final match-day squad last weekend after expressing his anger towards club coach Patrick Kisnorbo on being told he would be among the substitutes rather than starting.

    “I felt Jason and Nishan deserved that opportunity,” former Victory coach Popovic said.

    “I’ve got a history with them. I know them very well, they’ve had a very good long Cup run, they’ve played regularly (and) they’re playing well.

    “There are some areas on the pitch that we have some unfortunate injuries, and it creates opportunities for players.

    “For this camp we’ve got 26 players, which is a little more than we usually select, but with my first camp I thought it was good to bring in a few extra players to see how they are.

    “We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey, and it’s an honour to lead this group of players,

    “This October window offers a great opportunity to showcase a vast improvement, both in our desire and in the quality of our play.

    “This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions.”

    Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Massimo Luongo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Sam Silvera, Harry Souttar, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Gianni Stensness, Nishan Velupillay.

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