It was only fitting that Elise Kellond-Knight provided the assist for Australia's equaliser this morning, putting the finishing touch to her 100th match in green and gold.
The Queenslander became just the seventh Matilda to reach 100 ‘A’ Internationals when she provided the pinpoint corner for Clare Polkinghorne to seal the 1-1 result with England at Craven Cottage.
The 2011 FFA Female Footballer of the Year has featured in many of the Matildas most memorable moments - reaching the quarter finals at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, as well as triumphs at the 2010 Asian Cup and 2017 Tournament of Nations.
Today, Coach Alen Stajcic expressed his pride in the steely veteran, praising the 28-year-old as a great ambassador for Australian football on and off the park.
The goal that saw us secure a draw against England in London! #GoMatildas #ENGvAUS
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) 9 October 2018
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/s7Vt7iOIoo
“Elise has been a fantastic player for this team for a long time now," Stajcic said.
"Having been named in two separate best World Cup squads in 2011 and 2015 in two different positions is a rare achievement for any player at any level representing Australia."
FFA boss David Gallop said Kellond-Knight, who made her international debut in 2007, has been an outstanding leader for our women’s national team over the past 11 years.
.@clarepolks89 and @CasserlyLuke present @elise_kk8 with a special 💯 Westfield Matildas jersey. #GoMatildas pic.twitter.com/ggo0gWm0k2
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) 9 October 2018
“On behalf of the football community we congratulate Elise on reaching this significant milestone" Gallop said.
"This is a great time for the women’s game in Australia. We are now the most popular women’s sport in the country and it is role models like Elise that our young players look up to.
“Our Westfield Matildas are currently ranked sixth in the world and we enter next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France as one of the favourites. We also look forward to having our national team back on home soil next month for two international friendlies against Chile as we continue our preparation for France."
💯 was full of commitment, sweat and fun.... just like the other 99. Thanks to everyone that has been a part of my journey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Sxn765VSTs
— Elise Kellond-Knight (@elise_kk8) 9 October 2018
Speaking after the game in London, Kellond-Knight said it was a great honour to be part of the national football team.
“It’s a good feeling," she said.
"It’s a sign of how much dedication and commitment I’ve had to the game over the years and I love being part of it.
"There’s an enormous amount of pride to be able to put on that jersey for the 100th time. Every time I do, it’s a special feeling.
The much travelled Kellond-Knight has plied her trade in Denmark, Japan, Germany and Sweden and will lining up for Melbourne City in the upcoming W-League campaign. Beyond that there is a third World Cup to target next year.
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