In a moment long awaited by fans, Sam Kerr has spoken of feeling liberated and joyful upon her return to the football pitch in Australia. The Matildas captain made a significant impact in her first appearance on home soil in 763 days, helping secure a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in Adelaide on Tuesday night.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
Kerr, who played an influential 45-minute shift, admitted the occasion helped her reconnect with the pure love of the game. "Sometimes we lose sight of why we play football," she reflected post-match. "Tonight just felt like one of those moments where I could just really go out there and enjoy it and have fun." She described the sensation as being "free and easy," a feeling she believes profoundly benefits the team's attacking dynamics.
The Chelsea striker was in sparkling form, displaying her characteristic zip and audacious touches. While she wished to play longer, she acknowledged the wisdom in the coaching staff's decision to manage her minutes. "It was taken out of my hands and that’s probably the best thing," Kerr conceded, highlighting the careful management ahead of bigger challenges.
Building Towards Asian Cup Glory
The match served as a crucial building block for the Asian Cup, which Australia will host in March across Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. Kerr is confident of being in vastly better condition by then. "It will be a huge difference," she stated, echoing coach Joe Montemurro's eagerness for the tournament to begin.
Kerr believes the team's historic run to fourth place at the 2023 Women's World Cup has forged a battle-hardened core ready to handle the pressure of being host nation. "Everyone’s a bit older, everyone’s a bit more mature, have experienced it," she said. However, she cautioned that the Asian Cup presents a unique challenge, featuring many strong teams and a different style of football.
A Squad Elevated in Kerr's Absence
Coach Joe Montemurro praised not only Kerr's return but also the growth of the entire squad during her absence due to injury. He highlighted the intangible boost her presence provides. "She brings this level of confidence within the group. Everyone just feels a little bit taller, stronger, better, having Sam around," Montemurro said.
He also pointed to the strategic silver lining of her time away, which allowed other players to step up. "The beauty of this squad, we have now elevated the squad holistically, in a big way," he explained. This depth, he believes, is key to Australia's quest for a second Asian Cup title, their first since 2010.
With goals from Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso sealing the win in Adelaide, the Matildas now disperse to their clubs. Their unified focus is clear: stay fit and ready to chase continental glory and recreate the special feeling of a home tournament for Australian fans next year.
