Earlier today Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop made the announcement that Matildas’ forward Lisa De Vanna would co-captain Australia at the Women’s World Cup, alongside defender Clare Polkinghorne.
Head Coach of the Matildas Alen Stajcic said that the two were a fitting choice for the co-captaincy, as their growth and development on and off the field proved they have more to offer to the team than anyone else.
“Over the last four or five months we’ve done an extreme amount of work in terms of leadership and growing the team off the field, and these two have exemplified that more than others,” said Stajcic.
“The amount that they’ve grown and the leadership they have shown on and off the field has been tremendous and they have just risen above the pack in terms of what they offer the team.
“I’m really proud of Clare (Polkinghorne) who has been in the role before, but for Lisa De Vanna, the amount that she’s grown has been unbelievable.
“To see a player of her calibre grow so much and be able to give so much back to the team in such a short space of time is a tremendous effort and I’m really proud of the person she is and the leader she is going to be at the World Cup.”
Brisbane Roar captain Clare Polkinghorne captained the Matildas at the AFC Asian Cup last year, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to wear the arm band again in Canada alongside De Vanna.
“Obviously it’s a massive honour leading the girls into a World Cup. I’ve been lucky enough to share the co captaincy role the last couple of years but this is extra special being on the World Cup stage,” said Polkinghorne.
“I think heading into this World Cup we have set high standards for ourselves as a team, and with the talented group we’ve got there is a lot of potential to go deep in the tournament.
“I’m extremely proud of Lisa. She’s got that winning attitude, she lives and breathes football and would do anything for her team mates, and to hear her speak with such passion, I think the girls can really take a lot from it”.
Melbourne Victory forward Lisa De Vanna has netted 33 times for the Matildas, and was honoured when she found out that she had been picked to co-captain in what is set to be her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I was a little bit shocked when I was told I would be a captain, I’ve been in this team for a very long time and a lot of the girls know how passionate I am and how much I go out and play with my heart on my sleeve for this team, so when Staj told me I was going to be a co-captain I cried,” said De Vanna.
“I think I’ll be the type of captain that people can rely on when things are down, and when things are great that I’m going to keep pushing them. I like to lead by example through my actions on the field so hopefully I can do that for the team at the World Cup.”
“I love what I do and I love playing for my country, and to go out there and lead my country with the talented team we’ve got, I honestly believe this team can go all the way and leave a legacy.”
Gallop also announced that Emily van Egmond and Kyah Simon would be vice captains for the Matildas at the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Bondy
Guest
Is the W League going to be broadcast on tv next season ? ...
nordster
Guest
No not trolling just having a little fun ....but your article went from five comments yesterday to over twenty today....say thank u nordster! :) women's football is the type of thing people like to say they support more than they actually do. I have watched it plenty of times...standards wise, i prefer to take the dog for a walk to watch park football:P
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
I hope your are trolling. If you sit down and watch women's football you would realise that the quality is quite high. On top of that, its extremely passionate, competitive and entertaining.
Batou
Guest
Yep, the last one was a great tournament indeed. I hope this one lives up to that level but that our girls can go a little further this time. Maybe even all the way :)
Bondy
Guest
I hope the Americans get turned over I dont dislike them they're good .
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
That set piece goal from Sawa against the USA in the final was sensational. If this WC is as good as the last we are in for a real treat.
nordster
Guest
hahahaha well thats OPTIONAL ....and preparation is key ...easier to get the stink out compared to some other canals
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
nordster, sounds like you missed the science class at high school where they explained the functions of the alimentary canal and where waste products are expelled from the human body.
nordster
Guest
i dont mind....i am a shirt lifter...and girls are stinky....a priori love the outrage tho fuzzbot :)
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Really looking forward to this tournament. Our women are in a tough group, but the AUS women's team is also recognised as one of the strongest football nations on the planet. I'll be up watching every AUS match & many matches as a neutral. Last Women's WC, the quality of football was outstanding.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
"And aside from that girls are stinky" Wow. If anyone says anything remotely derogatory about 'shirt lifters', the pink lobby goes into outrage overdrive. Another amazing double standard by nordster.
nordster
Guest
from what i hear it doesnt smell like roses;)
Training Wheels
Guest
Having some olfactory problems, please comsult a specialist and then go smell the roses!
nordster
Guest
all well and good provided u have a bias toward the ladies:P
Batou
Guest
By 'we' you mean 'I.' sport is about competition between players or teams playing within certain rules and constraints, one of which is gender in this case. These will be the best female national teams on the planet. Their strength compared to men's teams is irrelevant. If you aren't interested then that's fine but that doesn't mean that everyone who watches is doing so to keep the pc brigade happy
nordster
Guest
Truth is truth.... :) Surely competitive sport is the last place we want to see (unearned) gender equality. And aside from that girls are stinky....
Batou
Guest
Run along now nordster.
Batou
Guest
Yes, will be matched. By De Vanna for a start, as it says in the article... Massive congratulations to both of them for doing so though and to all the other girls as well. They make big sacrifices to play the sport they love without the pay or recognition that the men get. Hopefully they can go far in Canada. I'm really looking forward to it. The last women's world cup was a cracker, hopefully this one is even better.
nordster
Guest
Yes i too wish the matilda's luck....provided i dont have to watch an actual game! In the spirit of tokenism of course;)
Bondy
Guest
Its a very tough tournament for our ladies good luck to them .