CommBank Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross started her professional club career playing in Melbourne Victory colours, in her home state of Victoria.
It makes it all the more special when it was announced that Australia would be taking on Chinese Taipei in a two-game series in Melbourne and Geelong in December.
“It means everything to be able to go back home and play in front of my family and friends,” the Arsenal midfielder expressed.
“They’re my biggest support system. They don’t get to watch me very often when I’m over here in England, so it means a lot.”
AAMI Park in Melbourne is a familiar ground for the 22-year-old, having played many games there at club level, as well as being a part of that memorable 4-0 victory over Canada last year.
“I love playing at AAMI Park. I used to play there all the time with Victory,” she recalled.
“Obviously we played Canada there during the World Cup as well. It’s a beautiful stadium, and having your family and friends and all the fans so close to you, it’s a really nice feeling.”
Cooney-Cross lived much of her high school years in Torquay, about a half an hour drive from Geelong. She said that it was great to give back to fans in regional centres.
“We don’t really get a chance to play in regional places, especially in Victoria. So I think it’s nice to give back to them,” she explained.
“They don’t really get a chance to watch us play often, so I think this is a good opportunity for them and for us to show them who the Tillies are.”
Finally, she expressed her gratitude for traveling fans who will be making the journey to watch the team play in December.
“We’re really grateful for our fans,” the youngster said.
“It means a lot that they come and watch our games. We know many travel from far away to come watch and support us. They’re like the 12th player and we’re really, really grateful.”
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: 10 and 10 Bold
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10 and 10 Bold
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets