Privitelli is in her second year teaching Health and Physical Education at Epping Secondary College, in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs.

The 23-year-old also just finished her second W-League season with the Big V scoring two goals from 11 appearances.

Speaking to The Women’s Game, Privitelli had a pleasant surprise in Round 1 of the W-League season as Victory downed Canberra United 2-1 at Epping Stadium.

“Epping’s one of our home grounds and I had a bunch of kids just turn up which I found really embarrassing actually, I’m not sure why,” Privitelli joked.

“They all thought it was pretty cool, so I got to have some pretty funny banter with them the next day when I was back at work.

Privitelli in action in Round 1

“I mean, I never bring it up with them. Some of them did know, some of them didn’t, and the ones who do know think it’s pretty cool.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. One, because you get really good holidays and two, it fits around soccer which is awesome. If I ever decide to have a family then I’m there when my kids are at home.

“It’s awesome and so rewarding. Staff is fantastic, kids come from a different range of backgrounds and I’ve absolutely loved it.

“I’m teaching years 7, 8 and 9. I also have a Year 12 class which is tough because they look a lot older than me.”

Privitelli has enjoyed her time in the W-League so far, but was realistic about any hopes of entering the NWSL.

However she said she would certainly take the opportunity if it arose.

“I would love to go to the US… I’m just not sure, a lot of girls go in their early 20s and I’m turning 24 in June,” she said.

“I don’t want to say I’ve missed the boat, but I’ve got a career that I absolutely love here. I love being able to balance football and teaching as well.

“If the opportunity came up, I think I would find it very hard to say no, so you would have to go.”

Privitelli at Bullen's home ground, David Barro Stadium and Veneto Club. By Sam Anfield Photography

Privitelli is of Italian descent, however did not grow up with a football background with her two siblings.

She first started playing for Doncaster Rovers before joining Senior NTC (National Training Centre).

The 23-year-old has been with Bulleen for the past seven years and is back for the 2018 WNPL, the Lions drew 1-1 to Box Hill United on the weekend, but Privitelli is currently being rested.

The winger saw Bulleen as a big family club and a home away from home.

“I used to just play with all the boys in Primary School, I thought ‘this round ball is kind of cool’,” Privitelli said.

“One day I came home and I told my mum ‘I want to play’ and she was like ‘nah, I think you should take up dancing’.

“I said ‘no, I’m not much of a dancer’. I had to try and convince her for two years to let me play and then it went from there.

“I was the only soccer player in my family. Now I have little cousins that play, but it just came from nowhere.

“I started five years ago coaching the U-11s at Bulleen and I worked my way up. Last year I was assistant to the U-16s.

“There are job opportunities, not only that, but getting to mingle with the younger girls and they end up coming to the Bulleen games.

“I’ve had some of them come to the W-League games as well, which is also really nice to see a familiar face in the crowd. Even if you had an average game, they’d say ‘you played really well’ and you have to do a half smile and say thanks.”

The secondary school teacher keen to come back for more at Victory next season. By Sam Anfield Photography

Privitelli is keen to return to Victory for her third season in 2018/19 and she said the previous campaign was a big learning experience.

She also said inconsistencies let Victory down last season, but was excited with youngsters coming through.

“It’s a bit nerve-racking playing at AAMI Park from time to time, the stadium is huge and for someone who’s played local football all my life, playing there is a bit surreal,” she said.

“I try not to look at the crowd to be honest, it just makes me too nervous. I just have to focus, listen to Jeff (coach Jeff Hopkins) and he calms me down.

“Annabel Martin is invaluable to our team. Kyra Cooney-Cross is also a name to remember because she’ll be something big. 

“We don’t put pressure on Kyra, but I think she takes it within her stride. She’s 16-years-old and playing in the national competition, so of course she’s going to get nervous, but at the end of the day, doesn’t everyone get nervous before a game?

“We’re all really supportive, we know she’s one of the youngest in the team, we look after her like she’s like our little sister, but she doesn’t get treated differently at the same time.

“We’re heading in the right direction. Considering our list, I think we did quite well, so hopefully we can just build on that next year.”