Why Matildas star Steph Catley loves, and sometimes curses, Sam Kerr

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Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley believes this year’s Women’s World Cup revealed Australia’s best-kept secret; that, deep down, it truly is a football country.

“I feel like even Australians probably would have admitted they’re not a footballing country, I don’t think it’s something that’s just said about Australia. Until now,” said Catley over Zoom from London on the eve of the Women’s Super League 2023-24 season, where she will again play for Arsenal.

Steph Catley celebrates scoring a goal at the FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Nine

“After the World Cup, what I saw [shows] it’s been there all along, I think it just needed this little tip over the edge. To sort of let it explode.”

With many Matildas playing in powerhouse teams across Europe – including Caitlin Foord and recent signing Kyra Cooney-Cross alongside her at Arsenal – multiple Aussies nominated for the Ball d’Or and Ange Postecoglou the manager of Tottenham in the Premier League, Catley says “good things are happening in Australian football, that’s for sure.”

The world is paying attention to the nation’s talent, and Catley is hoping increased attention generated for women’s football in Australia by the World Cup will translate to more eyes on the Women’s Super League and the careers of herself and the other Matildas playing in the English comp.

To her, that’s an important part of maintaining the sport’s momentum, along with Matildas’ matches and big tournaments.

The Matildas have already had to move one of their three Olympic Asian qualifier matches in Perth next month from HBF Park to the much larger Optus Stadium, which seats 60,000 people because of demand for tickets.

Catley said it was obvious after the excitement of the World Cup died down that a new army of fans had been drawn to women’s football.

“As soon as the World Cup was over, I remember just seeing messages and tweets and everything saying, ‘Well, how can I watch you guys?’,” she said.

“Obviously, the times [of WSL games in England] aren’t great for Australians. I know that firsthand from watching overseas football growing up. But, you know, they [Optus Sport] are doing as much as they can to sort of keep the Matildas alive and to keep Australians interested in women’s football.”

Australian teammates Caitlin Foord and Catley celebrate winning the FA Women’s League Cup with Arsenal in March.Credit: Getty

In the London derby in early December, Catley, Foord, Cooney-Cross and their Gunners teammates will face Australian captain Sam Kerr when they come up against Chelsea.

And there’s no secret about Kerr’s star quality. Especially to Catley, who has seen it up close, both as a teammate and opponent.

In Matildas colours it’s a blessing, but in May last year, Kerr famously scored two incredible volleys to help Chelsea comeback from 2-1 down at half-time against Manchester United to win their third consecutive WSL title and deny Arsenal the trophy.

“When she (Kerr) is playing for Chelsea, I want her to do well. And when she does something amazing, I’m the first person to be cheering, yes,” Catley said.

Catley and Sam Kerr share a laugh at the Women’s World Cup.Credit: Reuters

“But then, obviously, you flip it around, and she’s literally taken titles out of my hands, and we’ve been on the cusp of winning the league, and she’s gone and scored … [ridiculous goals] on the last day and just snatched it from us, so it’s like a really fine line.

“We want each other to do well, but just not against each other.”

The Women’s Super League to kick-offs on October 1 with champions Chelsea up against London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal set to face Liverpool the following day at Emirates Stadium.

Matildas star Mary Fowler will also be in action for Manchester City up against Australian goalkeeper World Cup hero Mackenzie Arnold’s West Ham United.

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