Sam Kerr is back for the Asian Cup, half a lifetime after winning it as a teenager
The return of a fit Sam Kerr for the Women's Asian Cup is a big boost for the Matildas as they look to win the tournament for a second time. (AAP Image: Dan Himbrechts)
In short:
Matildas captain Sam Kerr is preparing to lead the side in next month's Women's Asian Cup at home.
She was part of the team that won the 2010 Asian Cup.
What's next?
The Australians' opening Asian Cup game is against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
Sam Kerr was just 16 when Australia last won soccer's Women's Asian Cup in 2010, the tournament in which she also scored her first international goal.
In the intervening 16 years, the Matildas have reached the tournament's final twice, losing both times to Japan, as well as taking part in three Olympics and four Women's World Cups.
But another major title has eluded a side that reached as high as fourth in the world.
"Sixteen years ago seems crazy. It feels like yesterday," Kerr told ABC Radio Perth.
"I thought I would win many more. I think it shows how hard it is to win the Asian Cup and the importance of the tournament."
The Matildas had joy and relief after beating North Korea on penalties in the final of the Women's Asia Cup in Chengdu in 2010. (Getty Images: Visual China Group)
Kerr herself has experienced both the highs and lows professionally, signing with Chelsea in 2020 and winning five consecutive FA Women's Super League titles as well as three Women's FA Cups.
But she has also endured a torrid 20 months after suffering a knee injury and an ACL injury during a training camp in late 2023 and early 2024.
After 637 days out of the game, Kerr returned for Chelsea last September and scored 13 minutes after coming off the bench.
It's been a steady build since then.
"I'm playing more minutes now. I feel like I'm hitting my stride," the 32-year-old said.
"I knew it would be a long process, and I've been back for about four or five months now, and every week, honestly, I feel better."
Sam Kerr has scored some memorable goals for the Matildas, including this stunner against England at the 2023 World Cup. (AAP Image: Dan Himbrechts)
Australia will host the Asian Cup in March, with the Matildas playing the Philippines in Perth to open the tournament, a side they thrashed 8-0 at Perth Stadium in 2023.
"We played really well last time at Perth. It was in front of a sold-out stadium, so there was a real buzz around it," Kerr said.
"Sixteen years ago at the last Asian Cup, I don't think there was many people around the country watching.
"But to be a part of the change of women's football in the last four to five years has been incredible.
Sam Kerr has scored 62 times for the Matildas, making her a favourite among fans (AAP Image/Mark Evans)
"I think this moment in time will be looked back on forever as the time that women's football changed in Australia and around the world."
Kerr's return to the Matildas came months after the appointment of Joe Montemurro as coach.
The former midfielder coached Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon's women's sides to titles, and has enjoyed a solid start with Australia winning five of the eight games he's taken charge of.
"(Montemurro) wants to play a certain style of football, which has been really clear," Kerr said of the national side's new manager.
"I think when you have a clear message and a clear identity as a team, it's been really easy to just [get] everyone focus on themselves, train on themselves, and make sure we're at our best physically and mentally.
"It's nice to have an Aussie in there. I think it just hits home when you've got an Aussie coach coaching you.
"He's a top coach, but he's been really good for the group off the pitch too."