With the Westfield Matildas riding a huge wave of support across Australia and the world, we take a look back at three women who were integral in building the team's success and culture over the last couple of decades.
SALLY SHIPARD
The charismatic midfielder grew up in Wagga Wagga and burst onto the football scene as a 16-year-old at the Athens Olympics.
She captained the Australian U-20 national team and eventually played more than 60 times for the Westfield Matildas, with her prodigious work-rate and ability to direct a game from the centre of the park winning her many admirers.
Shipard was a key member of the 2010 AFC Asian Cup-winning team and attended the 2007 and 2011 World Cups but persistent knee injuries cut short her career at the age of just 26.
The popular Aussie with the winning smile is also the inspiration behind the website www.chasingleather.com which addresses issues of mental health, women in sport and her football career.
She's also dabbled in the marriage celebrant industry since finishing her football career.
MELISSA BARBIERI
The iconic goalkeeper debuted for Australia in 2002 and went on to play more than 80 games for the Westfield Matildas.
Standing 168cm tall, she featured in four World Cups and captained her country to victory at the 2010 Asian Cup after a penalty shootout victory over North Korea in the final.
Domestically she has a long and distinguished Westfield W-League career with Melbourne Victory and the Newcastle Jets.
Barbieri also brought attention to the difficulties faced by many sportswomen who become mothers, after she gave birth to daughter Holly in 2013.
She remains a popular media personality.
SARAH WALSH
When she retired in 2012 to concentrate on the next stage of her career in business marketing, the inspirational striker left a strong legacy in helping grow football in Australia.
The veteran of three AFC Asian Cups, a FIFA World Cup and the 2004 Athens Olympics, Walsh spent eight years playing at international level
She became one of the first players to break into the US professional leagues, playing for Pali Blues, Sky Blue FC, Saint Louis Athletica and the Boston Breakers.
Domestically she was a foundation member of the Sydney FC squad, scoring in the 2009 Grand Final to help secure Sydney FC their first Westfield W-League Championship.
These days she's working hard behind the scenes to help grow women's football in Australia.
