Sam Kerr Expresses Confidence Ahead of Women's Asian Cup Opener
Matildas captain Sam Kerr has revealed she feels approximately 85 per cent of the player she was before suffering a torn ACL, but her confidence is returning at a crucial time. Unlike the 2023 Women's World Cup, where a calf injury sidelined her before Australia's opening game, the star striker is eager to lead the line from the first minute of the Women's Asian Cup.
Recovery Journey and Form Building
Kerr and the Matildas are on the eve of their second major tournament on home soil in three years, finalising preparations for Sunday's opener against the Philippines at Optus Stadium. This match will mark just Kerr's second game back for the Matildas in Australia after a 20-month lay-off, caused by a torn ACL in January 2024 and subsequent knee issues.
She has gradually worked into form with Chelsea in England, making a competitive return in September and featuring in three national team appearances late last year. The 32-year-old acknowledged feeling more like her pre-injury self but emphasised room for improvement.
"It's come in waves. At the start, when I came back from the ACL with Chelsea at the start of the season, I felt really good, and then I probably had a little bit of a dip," Kerr said. "From December onward, when I started scoring a few more goals and just feeling relaxed and confident in my ability, I started to really feel at my best."
Goal Scoring and Mental Resilience
In the month leading up to the Women's Super League's late-December break, Kerr scored five goals in six games for Chelsea; since then, she has netted three in eight, but concluded with a goal against Manchester United in her final match before the Asian Cup.
"The Christmas break came at a bad time, but now I feel really good. I'm just trying to get my confidence back," Kerr explained. "When you're out for so long, you have all this self-doubt creep in and all of that, but I've had so many amazing people around me, and I feel right at home with the Matildas, so it's a good place for me to settle back in and be myself."
She added, "I don't want to say I'm at 100 (per cent) yet — I haven't had one of those games yet where I felt completely myself, but about 85 per cent and above."
Reflections on Past Tournaments and Team Goals
Kerr holds fond memories of the 2023 World Cup but regrets the calf injury that sidelined her before the opener against Ireland. She expressed gratitude for a second major home tournament opportunity.
"The last tournament didn't go the way I wanted personally, but on a team level, it was an amazing tournament so I feel like I'm really lucky to be here again at a major tournament on home soil," she said. "Most people in their career, don't get to play one tournament at home, so the fact we get two opportunities is an incredible honour."
The Matildas have not won an Asian Cup since 2010, when Kerr scored against North Korea in the final before Australia triumphed on penalties. As the only remaining player from that team, she highlighted the squad's desire for another major title.
"It makes me sad I'm the last one standing. That, still to this day, is one of the best moments in my footballing career," Kerr shared. "I know how much this team wants to win something together, how much every player wants to win something for the Matildas."
Team Atmosphere and Advice for Teammates
With a light-hearted feel at the final training session, Kerr's message to teammates was simple: enjoy themselves. She recalled her own experience at the 2010 tournament, where she had fun despite limited initial playing time.
"I was talking to Remy (Siemsen) today and joking around with her. It's her first tournament. I had the most fun ever at that tournament in 2010," Kerr said. "You never know when your opportunity will come, and you just have to take it with both hands. For girls, when they get their opportunity, whatever it is, whenever it is, just have fun and be themselves."
