The 19-year-old graduated from Maribyrnong College last year and will undertake tertiary studies at Sydney University.

Martin previously played two seasons with Geelong Galaxy in NPL VIC after graduating from the National Training Centre (NTC).

Sydney University SFC reached the preliminary final last year only to fall 4-2 to Macarthur Rams FC.

Martin admitted she had aspirations of playing in the NWSL in the near future, but was happy with the decision in moving states.

She will be living on campus while juggling football and her studies.

“I’m doing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Media and Communications and hopefully one day to become a journalist,” Martin told The Women’s Game.

“I think the league in New South Wales is stronger in general, it just worked out really well with the university, training is at campus and they really look after you and they have a really good system set up there.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of the coaches and people around to see what it’s like, it’s nothing but good words, so credit to them.

“It was interesting juggling Year 12 with the Young Matildas. Before our game against Melbourne City, I had an exam and I was late to the game because it didn’t finish until 4pm and the game was at 5.20, so I’m glad that’s over.

“I think I was more worried about the game, but I’m happy Year 12 is definitely done.

“Playing in the US is one of my dreams, I think the US has an amazing league, so that’s definitely one of my goals for the future.”

Martin receives the Victory Medal in 2016. By Anita Milas

Martin has enjoyed game time with Victory after finishing off her third W-League season. The teenager has never been benched, or substituted in her senior W-League career, maintaining a 100 per cent record of 90 minute games.

Martin won the 2016 Victory Medal and is hopeful of returning to the club for her fourth season.

She felt the club was different in season 2017/18 compared to the one that won the wooden spoon in the previous campaign.

“We’re definitely building and heading towards something good which is the main point,” she said.

“I think we sometimes forget a lot of us are very young, but it’s good to keep building our bodies and playing against the best players in Australia which is nice.

“This season, it felt like we were going into games to win them and we had the faith and belief that we actually could win.

“We showed that throughout the season and beat Melbourne City and we came close to a few other teams. It was a disappointing season, but overall, it was positive for the future.

“We were too inconsistent, in games we played a good half or a good 60 minutes, but not a full game. When it came to backing up a win, I think our inconsistency let us down in the end.”

 

Flyinggg into game day vs Vietnam 🇻🇳 #youngmatildas #Icanwewill

A post shared by Annabel Martin (@annabel23martin10) on


Martin was also excited for the future of the Matildas, despite the Young Matildas failing to qualify for the U-20 Women’s World Cup last year.

The Young Matildas lost 3-0 in the third place match to China PR of the 2017 U-19 Asian Championship and a win meant Australia would have qualified.

“It didn’t hit us right away and we came back into the season, but it’s starting to hit now that our Young Matildas career is up,” Martin said.

“I thought we had a really good group of girls and coaching staff, one game short which is disappointing, but it was a really good ride along the way.

“There are so many good players coming up and challenging the current Matildas which is what they need to keep going forward as well, I think it’s very promising for us.”