Matildas Superfan Brielle Minchin, 8, Wins Exclusive Interview with Mary Fowler
Eight-year-old Brielle Minchin from Perth achieved a remarkable feat as the only child in Australia to secure an exclusive interview with Matildas star Mary Fowler ahead of the AFC Women's Asia Cup 2026. The young soccer enthusiast, a diehard fan since the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, shared this special moment through a CommBank mini mates competition designed to inspire young players and fans aged six to ten.
Insights from a Pint-Sized Reporter
In their one-on-one chat, Fowler revealed personal details about her life and career. She mentioned that spaghetti bolognaise is her go-to pre-game meal, chocolate is her favorite sweet treat, and she humorously considers herself one of the funniest members of the Australian women's soccer team. Fowler also discussed her early days in the sport, noting that playing in boys teams as a youngster significantly improved her skills and made her more comfortable when she transitioned to girls football.
"When I started, I was playing with boys teams. I really enjoyed that, I think it improved me a lot as a player. When I started playing girls football, I think I felt more comfortable in it because I'd played with the boys and it was difficult playing with the boys," Fowler explained during the interview.
Winning the Opportunity
Brielle, who lives in Aubin Grove and plays for the Aubin Grove United Football Club, earned this rare access by submitting a video entry that showcased her soccer skills and encouraged the Matildas. As the sole West Australian winner of the competition, she expressed her excitement and nervousness about the experience.
"I made a video of me trying to hype the players up. I did a little gymnastics move, and I told Mary (Fowler) to do the best she could and use all her power," Brielle told PerthNow. "I wanted to enter because I really like the Matildas, and I just wanted an opportunity to be involved."
She described the interview as "pretty good, and exciting and special," adding that Fowler made her feel comfortable despite initial nerves about being on TV. Brielle praised Fowler as "sweet, and funny, and she had a lovely and sensible attitude."
Inspiring Young Dreams
The interview covered topics like Fowler's pre-game routine, how she finds bravery, and what she loves most about being a Matilda. Brielle, who helped craft the questions with her mum, felt professional and inspired by the experience.
"If you do something exciting and hard at the same time, you just need to believe in yourself that you can do it. When you start to do it, it actually turns out kind of easy," Brielle reflected.
Her mother, Liron Minchin, highlighted the impact of such competitions on young girls. "The whole experience was so amazing for us, and even for our soccer community because it's something we never would have had the chance to do. It really inspired Brielle," Ms Minchin said. "She's always wanted to be a professional player, but now meeting Mary and going through this experience has really inspired her. It showed her that anything is possible, and she can do that."
Broader Involvement and Tournament Success
Beyond the interview, Brielle was one of 500 young fans selected to walk the pitch with Asia's top footballers before the AFC quarter final in Perth on March 14. She shared this moment with her Aubin Grove FC teammates, expressing joy at being on a gigantic pitch with friends and players.
The 2026 AFC Women's Asia Cup has already set new attendance records, with over 82,000 fans attending games in Perth, the Gold Coast, and Sydney. The opening match at Perth Stadium drew a record-breaking crowd of 44,379, including Brielle and her mum. The tournament culminates in a final between the Matildas and Japan in Sydney on March 21.
CommBank's partnership with Football Australia, initiated in 2021, aims to grow participation and inclusion in soccer, bringing grassroots sport to the world stage. This initiative underscores the importance of inspiring the next generation of athletes through unique opportunities like the one Brielle experienced.
