From earning a Matildas cap and being part of Perth Glory’s inaugural W-League squad at the tender age of 16, to moving across the country and playing in Melbourne Victory’s 2013/14 W-League championship winning campaign, the now 28-year-old can boast a football CV that would be the envy of many.

‘The Maestro’, as she is known among fans and team mates alike, has played 103 W-League games for the Glory, Victory and Wanderers over the past 12 years.

Her Matildas career has somewhat stalled since playing all six of her internationals for Australia back in 2008, however the West Australian product still continues to be a valuable contributor to Australian women’s football.

Not bad for a young lady who learned the game by “curling balls around pot plants” and “juggling a lot.”

It all started back in 1996 at Phoenix Park Junior SC, in a suburb called Hamilton Hills, south-west of Perth. Like the usual ethnic Australian kids, it was a family affair.

“Of course I had to copy my brother back in the day, so I started training with his team when I was about five,” explains Mastrantonio, who credits her family for her footballing success. “My dad was also a huge influence on me.

“My mum is also one of the strongest people I know, she will do anything for her family, which is an amazing trait to have.”

Her proud family were there in Bunbury last weekend as the star midfielder led the Red & Black to their maiden finals appearance with a Player-of-the-Match performance in a thrilling 3-2 win over Perth in the final round of the regular season.

The result ensured the Wanderwomen snuck into fourth spot, narrowly ahead of Brisbane Roar.

Mastrantonio has been a key link up player between defence and attack for the Wanderers this season.

Her ability to track back, provide an outlet for the back four, while being creative in the middle and setting up the likes of Kristen Hamilton, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Lynn Williams has been fabulous to watch this season.

To date, she has completed 690 passes at an accuracy of 80% with 18 goal scoring chances and two assists to boot. Add to this 18 interceptions, 11 clearances and a healthy appetite for tackling, Mastrantonio is the complete footballer.

Wanderer’s coach Dean Heffernan described her as having one of the best techniques in the world, while Matildas legend Joey Peters has led a chorus of calls for her to be drafted back into the national team.

Mastrantonio is flattered by all the compliments but admits donning the green and gold is something she holds dear.

“A dream come true,” she beamed, when asked to describe how she felt when receiving her first Matildas cap over a decade ago. “Representing your country is the highest possible milestone you can achieve as a footballer and something I strived for since I was very young.

“Of course, playing for your country is the best feeling an athlete can have, so I would love to have that feeling again.”

But for now, Mastrantonio is focussed on the W-League finals, with the Wanderwomen set to take on unbeaten Melbourne City next Sunday in their first ever final’s game.

“We have the belief that we can beat anyone. We believe in ourselves, each other and in the way we play. We play with no fear and believe anything can happen.”

Mastrantonio has been glowing in her praise for the set up at Western Sydney, insisting the foundations are there for sustained success, something that has been lacking in the past at Wanderland.

“The whole set up this season at Western Sydney has been exceptional,” said Mastrantonio. “From top to bottom - the facilities, the coaching staff, the professionalism and then all the on-field stuff fell together.

“We have an incredibly tight group of amazing people which makes a huge difference and is why we’ve been successful on the pitch.”

The fiery midfielder is known for her passion on the field, she wears her heart on her sleeve, a trait that endears her to fans. However like all good footballers, she insists the fire is just her passion and she loves every moment on the field.

“Play with a smile and have fun because these will be the best times of your life and you will make life long friends from it,” says Mastrantonio when asked what advice she would give to aspiring young footballers.

Being a good role model for young girls is something Mastrantonio is very passionate about. 

She has juggled studying and working while trying to be a professional footballer. Mastrantonio insists the W-League has plenty to offer future generations and called on FFA to continue to market the game to inspire young female footballers.

“We need more exposure," she says passionately.

"The more the better. Some of the players and quality of football in this league is up there with some of the best around the world, but people probably don’t see it as much as they could.

“In saying that, it’s amazing to see it come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years with so many people getting on board and doing incredible things to help grow the game and the league which the players are grateful for.”

As for what she plans to do once the current W-League season is over, Mastrantonio has signed with newly promoted NSW NPLW side Apia-Leichhardt. She will join Wanderers’ team mates Alex Huynh and Sophie Magus at Lambert Park.

Next Sunday afternoon, in the heart of the Wanderers engine room, Mastrantonio will be leading the charge as the Wanderwomen tackle City in the hope of clinching their first ever Grand Final spot.

Kick off is at 1.30pm at ABD Stadium with live coverage on ABC, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.