Well after an hour after the final whistle blew, Sydney FC’s Matildas star Cortnee Vine sprinted back into the CommBank Stadium sheds – only to return minutes later.
Still with that abundant energy that has helped her to another sublime Liberty A-League campaign, the Sky Blues superstar returned to her adoring fans down at The Cove end to continue her marathon signing session, but carrying a spare boot.
“I had a lot of boots just chilling around home, I thought I’d bring it out. With the fans coming; give a bit back,” she explained.
“They were all screaming for it; one of the boys was like: ‘you promised!’
“I ran back and thought I had one more pair that I can give out and gave my last pair out.”
The decider was played in front of the most spectators to ever watch a domestic female club football game in Australia; as Vine made her way enthusiastically, affectionately and with an infectious smile through the adoring fans, it was clear how many young kids – male and female – were getting swept away by their heroes.
WATCH: A-LEAGUES ALL ACCESS, EPISODE 24: RISE TO THE OCCASION
More kids, and more people, than had ever done so before in this country; more kids who might be likely to drag their parents, and their friends, along for the ride again next season.
“I wish I had games like this happening when I was younger,” she said.
“It feels good to be one that is hopefully inspiring younger ones to come to these games and to join football for the year.
“Hopefully it has just given them an insight into what the World Cup is going to be like.”
Vine, and all her teammates, spent time with the record breaking 9, 519 fans in attendance after the game.
But few demanded as much attention as the 25-year-old; one of the faces of the league, a potential starter for her country at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, and a Premiership-Championship winner now as well.
“Everyone was like: ‘can I have your shoes, your hair tie? I gave my bobby pins away, I gave away my tape,” she quipped.
“They all wanted random stuff.
“But, I’m keeping my shinnies, my shirt and my scrunchies – they’re my things!”
It has already been a massive year for Vine, who has been part of the Matildas’ Cup of Nations triumph, and also was involved in matches against Scotland and England on the eve of the Finals Series.
CURSE BROKEN: Sydney FC crowned Liberty A-League champions after 4-0 demolition of Western United
SYDNEY ELATION: Sydney FC’s star eyes a World Cup hat-trick
KEY TO SUCCESS: Sydney FC took four minutes to find answer to question they couldn’t escape
JURIC: ‘There was no chance they were going to win’
WESTERN: Coach’s beautiful answer sums up what this season’s best story means for Aussie football
Now, she has a double to celebrate, and after being part of Sydney FC’s previous Grand Final heartbreak, she was relishing this one.
“Clubland is very different to the international stage, and to go through the whole year with these girls, for three years, and to get the loss usually, in this situation, to get the win today, and the double for the year, is absolutely insane,” she said, beaming.
“I couldn’t be prouder.”
