She’s had the year of her life and is arguably the best women’s footballer on the planet but Sam Kerr admits she hasn’t had time to reflect on her incredible exploits over the last 12 months.
The Westfield Matildas star is one of ten players short-listed for the FIFA Women’s 2017 player of the Year following her standout performances for both club and country.
KERR’S REMARKABLE YEAR
After a stellar 2016/17 W-League campaign, Kerr claimed the Julie Dolan Medal as the competition’s best player after her 10 goals led Perth Glory to the Grand Final.
Kerr then became the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) all-time leading scorer earlier this year and bagged a remarkable 4-goal haul in her side’s 5-4 win over Seattle last month.
The WA-born attacker also equaled Kim Little’s record for most goals in a single NWSL season (16 goals).
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Last month, the 24-year-old netted a first-half hat-trick for the Matildas against Japan at the Tournament of Nations and capped it off with a goal in Australia’s 6-1 demolition of Brazil.
Kerr scored again in the Matildas’ 2-1 win over Brazil on Saturday before claiming the 2017 PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year award on Sunday night.
But despite her stunning run of form, a humble Kerr says she’s enjoying her football and hasn’t really had a chance to digest her achievements over the past year.
“I’m still in season and in games for the Matildas so I haven’t really reflected on it yet,” Kerr told matildas.footballaustralia.com.au
“I’m sure at the end of the year or when I next get a break I’ll sit down and be really proud of not only my efforts this year but the Matildas, Sky Blue FC and Perth Glory.
“I think every team I’ve been a part of has luckily done really well.
“At the moment, it’s all a bit of fun and it’s been an enjoyable year. But you don’t look into it too much while you’re still playing.”
EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR NEWCASTLE
Kerr and co will be in action again on Tuesday night when they face Brazil in the second of their two-match series in Newcastle.
Australia recorded an impressive 2-1 win over the South Americans in front of a sold-out crowd in Penrith on Saturday and another big crowd is tipped for Tuesday’s clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“Yeah we’re excited again. Any time you get to pull on the jersey and represent Australia is a proud moment,” Kerr said.
“I know it’s Emily van Egmond’s home town so that’s something very special for her.
“We’re all super pumped. Brazil are a great team. We love playing for the Matildas, simple as that. So any time we get the chance to do it, it’s a huge honour. We can’t wait.”