The CommBank Matildas run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ inspired so many people from across the nation to lace up their boots and play football, either for the first time or after a long break.
For Natasha Prior – who became CommBank Matilda #231 on Sunday against Brazil – it was the catalyst to rejuvenating her professional career.
“I actually went to one of the World Cup games, England versus Australia, with my Dad,” she recalled post-match.
“I remember sitting in the stands saying, I want to be on the field. I don’t want to be in the stands. And that was kind of the motivation to put the boots back on properly and to focus on football, and start my A-League journey again.”
In 2017/18, Prior was the next big thing in Australian football. She had just completed her first season with the Newcastle Jets and had helped them reach the finals for the first time. She was tall, composed, and a sturdy defender.
However, a major concussion in the 2018/19 season after a transfer to Canberra United led to her announcing her retirement at the age of 21.
She made her return in the 2021/22 season, helping Sydney FC to the premiership. It was last season, after sitting in the stands of Stadium Australia in 2023, that she returned in full force to the Newcastle Jets.
Her quality performances over the last season, and the beginning of 2024/25, earned her first cap.
“I’m happy that I found the motivation to put the boots back on, and work hard, and get back out there,” she said.
She explained that she was calm before her debut after a week of preparation in camp.
“Clare [Hunt]’s been sick, so I was told, probably about 10 minutes before half-time, to get ready and stay warm,” Prior said.
“Clare went off. I went into the change room. Next thing I know, I’m on the pitch.
“It’s been a build-up for the last week, so I think when it came to actually game day, I felt quite relaxed.
“The staff and camp is so relaxing to be around, so it’s a pretty easy transition. It’s hard on the pitch, but I think the nerves were settled by everything around me.”
Her father Spencer, who was proudly watching her debut from the stands, is a former Premier League defender. He had some advice for her before she went out.
“He phased it in two parts,” she said.
“Off the field – stay relaxed, hydrate. Play for the game, not the occasion.
“On the field, it was more play to the pace of the game, make sure you’re ready, constantly switched on, and have fun and relax.”
The next step now for Prior is retaining her place in the group.
“I think the next camp is the SheBelieves Cup, so I’d love to book myself a ticket on that plane over to America,” she said.
“Over the next couple of games, I’ll hopefully get a starting debut.
“And just, hopefully, don’t be a one camp and done. Stay around the team.”
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
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, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets