Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine believes a strong end to the season in Sky Blue could be enough to help her realise a childhood dream by representing Australia at this year’s Paris Olympics.
The 25-year-old has been named in the latest CommBank Matildas squad for the upcoming friendly clash with Mexico in Texas on April 10.
Vine last featured in the green and gold of Australia back in November but has been recalled to the squad by CommBank Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson due to her excellent recent form.
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“Obviously I’m super excited to be part of the Matildas squad in this upcoming camp,” said Vine. “It’s in America so that will be really cool, I’ve never been!
“I’m still hoping to be part of that Olympic squad and I’m feeling very grateful that Tony’s called me back in for this one.”
With nine goals and five assists to her name this season Vine has been a crucial part of the Sydney FC side which currently sits on top of the Liberty A-League.
Furthermore, Vine believes a strong end to the season will not only help her and her teammates create history by becoming the only side to win four-straight Liberty A-League Premierships, but it will enhance her chances of fulfilling what she describes as a childhood dream.
“Olympics, for myself, has been a goal of mine since I was probably nine,” revealed the CommBank Matildas winger. “Doing Athletics as a youngster, I always wanted to go to the Olympics so being able to do it in a sport that I love with a team that I love as well is a dream.
She continued: “It is something that’s in the background, it is out of my control to be a part of that squad but I can do as much as I can in clubland and in the next coming games to try and prove myself.
“But I am just focusing on the Liberty A-League finals series and hopefully creating history.”
Meanwhile another big date no doubt circled on Vine’s calendar is May 24, a day that will see more footballing history made in Australia.
For the first time ever an A-League All Stars women’s side will be assembled to take on Women’s Super League (WSL) giants Arsenal FC at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne as part of a history-making evening which will also see the A-League All Stars Men face Premier League side Newcastle United.
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“The All Stars game against Arsenal… those games don’t come around very often!” remarked Vine when discussing the news.
“I think it will be an amazing opportunity, not just for myself, but for the girls in the league to come up against players that are playing for Arsenal.
She continued: “They represent their countries, it’s basically like a national team game so it will be a good experience for any Liberty A-League player that gets selected in it and obviously for the Australian public to come and watch it. I think it will be amazing!”
Assuming she will be selected, the game will see Vine play alongside some of the best talent in the Liberty A-League but also get the chance to come up against some of her current CommBank Matildas teammates who will be wearing the famous red and white of Arsenal.
“Having say Steph Catley mark me out on the right wing could be really fun or it could be really bad for me!
“But it will be interesting. It’s always fun versing friends and obviously I know them from Matildas so you tend to pick up their strengths and weaknesses as well. So hopefully we can utilise that and make it an interesting game.”
Before that though Vine’s attention will be firmly focused on finishing the season strongly with Sydney FC, who need two wins from their remaining three games to seal another Premier’s Plate.
The Sky Blues host Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval this weekend before a re-arranged midweek trip to Canberra is followed by a final day Big Blue with Melbourne Victory.
