What a year it has been for Westfield Matildas and Melbourne City forward Larissa Crummer.
An unexpected FIFA Women’s World Cup debut as the youngest player in the Australian squad, an Asian championship appearance with the Westfield Young Matildas, a move to Melbourne from her native Queensland, and now a two-goal entrance for Melbourne City.
Crummer had the honour of scoring Melbourne City’s first goal in their competition debut before adding a second before half-time, as the league’s newest club secured a barely-believable 6-0 win over league powerhouse Sydney FC on Sunday.
As the Westfield Matildas prepare to head for China, and matches this week against England and the host nation, Crummer talks through her starring debut for City, experiences in Canada and more.
How did you see what was a perfect debut for the club?
Larissa Crummer: It was awesome. We had everyone at the club behind us. Being the new ones coming in, we had a point to prove and I think we did that.
Was there any nerves heading into the match?
For me personally, yes definitely. All day today and during the week. We had a good lead-up, and nerves can end up being good on the park.
You were playing against one of your old teams in Sydney FC. Was that awkward at all or maybe add an extra dimension for you?
No, not really. I know most of the girls through the Matildas or otherwise, and it is all friendly.
Did you imagine it could be this good?
We didn’t expect this, but we did our best, and there is still more to come. We back ourselves 100 percent.
What aspects could be further improved on?
For me, my finishing I could work on, and positioning. I’m still young and have a lot to learn. I learnt a lot at the World Cup, and hopefully I can learn more of the players that we have here. I’m a striker and I’m here to score goals.
How do you think Melbourne City will shape up without the national team players next weekend?
We have a quality team here. We have Victory next weekend, but I back them 100 percent to do the same job.
How have you fitted in at the new club after the move from Queensland?
I have fitted straight in. Training is intense. The club is so professional, so couldn’t ask for anything better.
And how about Melbourne on a personal level?
It is awesome. There has been a new coffee shop every day!
Do you feel you have learnt much for that experience at the World Cup in Canada?
Six months with the best players in country has made me so much a better player, and I’m looking to improve so much more. I matured a lot, learnt to be more calm on the ball and play my game.
Were you energised it by it, or conversely found it draining physically or mentally?
It was everything I wanted it to be, and it was just perfect, and improved me as a player.
