Growing up, all I was ever exposed to was rugby league. My dad, my brother … everyone around me loved their footy. It runs in the family. Jamal Idris, Kurtley Beale and John Simon are all relatives.
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By the time I was old enough to play a sport, it was only natural I followed suit, strapped on the boots and took on the boys in tackle footy. If it wasn't for my neighbour and best friend at the time, Michael Loudon, I might not have realised my love for soccer. Michael and his brother Mark were the reason I started playing the round-ball game. Quakers Hill under-8s - that's where it all began. I loved it from the very first game.
Mum and dad were always going to support me, whatever direction I chose to go in, but I knew the opportunities for a girl were far greater in soccer. It was a decision that has paid off a thousand times over. I began my representative duties playing for the Hills Brumbies before moving across to Penrith Nepean United. My career was starting to blossom but it took a sudden turn when I broke my leg at the age of 15. I was on the verge of earning a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport, and that injury cost me my chance. But persistence and dedication saw me rewarded with the scholarship six months later and I've been with the institute ever since.
I have been a Matilda since 2008 and scored the all-important fifth penalty to seal victory against North Korea in the final of the 2010 Asian Cup. While we couldn't progress past the quarter-finals in this year's World Cup in Germany, I'm very proud to be the first Aborigine to score a goal for Australia in either male or female World Cups. It's such an honour being an indigenous sportsperson representing your country. Some people feel it as an extra weight on their shoulders, but it's something I'm very proud of and feel privileged to carry that honour. Hopefully I can inspire other indigenous kids out there to follow their dreams.
Unfortunately, I won't be fit to take the field for Sydney FC next Saturday in the opening round clash against Brisbane at Leichhardt Oval. I have ankle ligament damage and came out of a protective boot only on Wednesday, but I'm hoping to be ready to go when we take on Canberra United in round three.
Last year I enjoyed an incredible season winning the W-League's players' player, the player of the year, young player of the year and Golden Boot awards. I will be giving it my all to try and do it all again. All those individual awards are great, but a premiership remains the ultimate goal.
As told to Michael Chammas
