Kerr leading generation next | TWG Kerr leading generation next | TWG

After setting up Perth’s winning goal and starring in the Glory’s win over Adelaide United, Samantha Kerr once again packs her bags to answer the call from Robbie Hooker and the U17s National Team.

Kerr is just one of the next generation of Matildas and at 16 she has already racked up more frequent flyers than adults twice her age.

Sam’s cameo in the win over the Lady Reds highlights why the Perth native is wanted in not one or two but all three of the national teams.  She has many masters and commitments but the bubbly teenager always looks like she’s having the time of her life.

Sam, it’s been a whirlwind 18 months where you have played for the Australian National Teams and the Perth Glory.  How are you feeling about it all?

Yeah, it’s good.  It’s the same as usual.  I am just enjoying it all and having fun.  I’m just doing what I do best and winning some games.

You are back playing for Perth in the W-League in season two.  What were your thoughts on the first year?

It was good although we didn't do as well.  Hopefully we can do a bit better this year.

It was a good experience but hopefully we can improve on it this year.

The matches were a bit quicker but I am used to playing against boys.  It is normally a bit quicker when you play against the boys but I think I will be able to keep up this time.

What do you enjoy about the Westfield W-League?

I get to see and play against friends from interstate and build a rivalry.  I like being able to play against girls that I am usually playing with at nationals or for the Matildas.  Also the chance to play against Matildas like Heather Garriock is great.

The team has a different feel to it with new players in the squad.  What are your thoughts on Perth’s chances for the finals?

I think we have really good chance especially if we keep winning games.  I think we can provide competition to the tougher teams like Brisbane and Sydney.  I think we can make the Top 4 and go on from there.  We will see what happens.

The weekend game saw you substituted into the match.  Was that a tactical move or were you just tired from your recent workload?

Gibo [Perth coach John Gibson] said that he was going to start with the same team as last week because they played well.  I was meant to come on at that time with Lisa going off.  I just came on but it wasn’t a tactical move or me being tired.

You came on and slotted right back into the side.  Is that from playing plenty of football or is just your way?

It’s just me I guess.  I don’t care if I make a mistake and I’m not scared to make a mistake.  I just dribble at defenders and have fun out there.  Having fun is the main thing for me so I just do what I feel like.

The Fun StuffYou have plenty going on so how do you relax?

Just chilling out with friends.  Do nothing! Watch TV and eat food.  That’s it!What are you loving on TV at the moment?

MTV Cribs (laughs)

When you are traveling what is the first thing you pack?

My hair straightener.  Otherwise I won’t be able to play!! Oh, and my boots obviously but my hair straighener is first in.

Summer or Winter

I actually love winter because I get to wear hoodies and snuggle up watching tellie near the heater or fire.

What was the last movie that you cried at?

Marley and Me.  I watched it without sound as well.  I couldn’t hear what they were saying but I saw the dog die and I started crying.  Then I watched with sound and cried again.

What’s on your ipod?

All my gangster music.  My Akon, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and some Beyonce.

You play for various teams and have many coaches with Tom Sermanni, Alen Stajcic, Robbie Hooker and now John Gibson.  Who have you learned from the most?

I have spent a little time with Gibo and John is really tough when he needs to be but also relaxed.  There is a bit of variety in training, which makes it good.

I haven’t really spent a lot of time with Tom or Hooksy so I probably learned the most from Staj as I spent over a year with him.

At the start I was really scared of him and intimidated so I listened to everything he said.  I have now spent a lot of time with him and gotten to know him better over long periods.  So, yeah, Staj is the coach I learned the most from.

You come from a sporting family and of course Daniel is well known.  Do you ever get tired of being called “Daniel Kerr’s sister”?

Yeah, I guess sometimes it is a bit annoying being introduced as “Daniel Kerr’s sister” or everytime someone talks about me they talk about him too.

Sometimes it’s good but we are really different people.  Also I don’t want him in the conversation because he is my brother and always give me heaps [laughs].

How has your family prepared you for this hectic life and what have they taught you about being a professional?

My family is really big on working hard and training hard.  They have taught me how to work hard and play hard.  I guess that’s how I like to play.

I have a lot of support from the family because they are big on sport.  They all like to come and support me and its good when they are down.  Having family support is the best and you feel like to have to play well to impress them.

Some advice for girls who want to follow your path.

You have to take it as it comes.  Train and play hard but have fun.  The more fun you have, the more relaxed you are.  Then you are not scared to make mistakes and it just flows.  So just have fun and everything works itself out.