Things are different these days, with the Matildas currently ranked sixth in the world and the W-League attracting internationally renowned players from all over the globe.

“Today, you could speak with any W-League club and I’m sure they could each relate to having to turn away a fair few international resumes, due to huge interest and limited spots, which says a lot about how far the league has come,” Simon said.

The Quakers Hill Juniors alumni played in the very first W-League game on 25 October 2008, when Central Coast Mariners took on Melbourne Victory. She said that at the time, she had no idea what that first step onto the pitch would mean for not only the league, but the women’s game as a whole.

“The first time I played in the W-League, I would’ve only been 16 or 17, so my initial reaction was just pure excitement. I remember it was the first time in a long time that we were able to play in a professional women’s league in Australia,” she said.

“At the time, I didn’t realise the enormity of what we were starting. Looking back now and realising how huge that year was, I wouldn’t have been able to predict where it would be ten years later.”

As for how she feels about being able to witness and play a part in the decade-long growth of one of Australia’s most successful leagues Simon said:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#kisskiss #trophy

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“It’s such a proud moment for myself and all those players who played during that very first year and have continued to play over the last 10 years."

“We’ve been able to play a part in history and helped in growing a stable, competitive and enjoyable league.”

One fact that some football fans may not know, is that in the beginning, their footballing heroes played the beautiful game for free.

It has only been of late that female players have started to be remunerated for the hard work they dedicate to their craft and country.