<\/p>\n
Cortnee Vine has already had the biggest year of her life – and it’s only March.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old Sydney FC star’s talents were on full display during the Cup of Nations tournament, but the transition back to the A-League Women before the World Cup in August has been hard on the young Matilda.<\/p>\n
“I am absolutely exhausted,” she told AAP.<\/p>\n
“Three games in seven days, coming straight from club-land, that’s still something I’m getting used to but the girls that have been in it for a while are accustomed to it. Like Sam (Kerr), who just scored fresh off a flight from Europe – that’s insane, I don’t know how she does it.”<\/p>\n
While Vine has her sights set firmly on World Cup selection, luckily for Sydney FC, she hasn’t forgotten about her ALW side.<\/p>\n
The second-ranked Sky Blues will host ladder-leading Western United on Sunday in what is set to be a spirited clash.<\/p>\n
Sydney sit six points behind their opponents, but have two games in hand, and are desperate not to the let the gap widen.<\/p>\n
United will come in firing after a historic 6-0 win against Newcastle last weekend and knowing they won the only meeting between the two sides 2-0 back in early January.<\/p>\n
Memories of a certain rivalry with United’s TJ Vlajnic are also sure to keep Vine focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n
“I hope she marks me, she’s such a great player and we do have some history but it’s a bit laughable,” Vine said.<\/p>\n
“The last time we played she was up front though so our paths didn’t cross.”<\/p>\n
Vlajnic was sent off during the 2021-2022 semi-final for bringing the Matilda down in the second half and Vine went on to score two goals.<\/p>\n
For Vine, playing in the A-League and versing a top side like Western United provides perfect World Cup training.<\/p>\n
“Match fitness is massive, especially getting 90 minutes under my belt, versing a team that we lost against last time, being in a league where sometimes I get double-teamed and having to figure out how to get ouf of that, it’s all crucial,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I’m only in the Matildas because of the A-League.”<\/p>\n
While many of the 24-year-old’s Matildas teammates, including Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, play in world-class European competitions, Vine believes the A-League is where she needs to be.<\/p>\n
“I am definitely someone that needs to be around my support network,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Each individual has their own thing they want to do with their career, and at the moment, I’m stoked that I’m here and get to do it here.”<\/p>\n
With only five games left before the A-League Women final, the next challenge for the winger will be staying fit to remain a strong World Cup contender.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been working pretty closely with the strength and conditioning coach for Matilda,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I’m going to do whatever they tell me to do to be there.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n