But for one of the most exciting young strikers in the W-League this season, Susan Phonsongkham, representing the Western Sydney Wanderers gifts an even greater feeling, despite the fact she was born over 7,000 kilometres away.

“It actually means a lot to me because when I first came to Australia (from Thailand) it was Western Sydney,” Phonsongkham says.

"It means a lot to put on the Young Matildas jersey because Australia has given me the chance to stay in this country.

“My first club was Western Sydney Wanderers as a fan and I’ve been watching their games since I arrived.

"I just want to give back to the community."

The 18-year-old isn't just a Wanderer, she's a Young Matilda, NPLW golden boot winner and a prospective dynamic, fast-paced Matildas striker.

But she's had a difficult journey to make it to this stage. Phonsongkham's mother and herself endured domestic violence and cultural discouragement from following her football dreams.

Now she has a new, extended family in Sydney's wild west.

"In Australia it's just me and my mum," she told the club website. "So all of my friends here really are my extended family.

"When I came to Australia I couldn't really speak English, so football helped me a lot to make friends."