The anticipation is building as the Women’s Asian Cup prepares to kick off in Perth on March 1, 2024. Sam Kerr, the captain of the Australian Matildas, is set to lead her team against the Philippines in the tournament opener, and her parents, Roger and Roxanne Kerr, report that their daughter is thrilled about the event.
With the tournament beginning at Optus Stadium, the excitement is palpable. The Matildas will play ten matches across both Optus Stadium and HBF Park, including three group games featuring football powerhouses like Japan, two quarter-finals, and a semifinal. For Kerr, this is not just another tournament; it is a chance to make history in her hometown.
Roxanne Kerr expressed her daughter’s enthusiasm about representing Australia in what is the second major home tournament in four years. “She’s very excited, not only because it’s in her hometown and she loves playing here, but she gets to see the family and all the fans,” she said. “She hardly ever gets to come here, so it will be great.”
Australia last won the Asian Cup in 2010, a triumph marked by a young Kerr scoring in the final against North Korea. Since then, the Matildas have been striving for a major title, and with Kerr eager to add to her impressive collection of trophies, her father Roger believes the time is ripe for a victory. “They haven’t won it since Sam was 16. The Matildas have gone really well over the past 15-20 years, but now it’s time for silverware,” he stated.
Kerr’s recent return to form comes after a lengthy recovery from a knee injury that sidelined her for 20 months. Roger Kerr noted that despite the challenges, she is now fully fit and ready to compete. “It’s naturally been a slow process. She’s had a couple of hiccups, but in sport, that just makes you a bit stronger,” he explained.
In addition to her sporting commitments, Kerr embraces her new role as a mother to baby Jagger, whom she shares with wife Kristie Mewis. Roxanne spoke fondly of her daughter’s parenting journey, highlighting how much joy Kerr finds in motherhood. “She’s a fun parent, but she absolutely loves it. He goes to all the games, except if they’re a late-night one. He’s such a great kid,” Roxanne said.
The last encounter between Australia and the Philippines at Optus Stadium resulted in an 8-0 victory for the Matildas, with Kerr notably scoring a hat-trick. This impressive performance remains fresh in the minds of the opposition, with Philippines coach Mark Torcaso humorously requesting that Kerr tone down her goal-scoring.
As excitement for the tournament grows, Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer for Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, urged fans to secure their tickets quickly, especially for the opening match, which will feature a performance by KPop star Audrey Nuna. Walsh emphasized Kerr’s eagerness to play in front of her home crowd once again. “There’s a lot of hunger in that team, but Sam’s, I’ve never seen her so passionate,” she stated.
This tournament presents not only a chance for the Matildas to end a long wait for silverware but also a moment for Kerr to solidify her legacy in Australian football. As the countdown continues, the excitement surrounding the Women’s Asian Cup promises to bring together players and fans alike in a celebration of women’s sport.
