The inaugural Westfield W-League Season was a breakthrough one for Danielle Brogan. Some strong performances lead her to her first cap for the Westfield Matildas and now a spot as the new face of Sydney FC. Recently retired Westfield Matildas stalwart and new ABC commentator Cheryl Salisbury sat down with Danielle to discover what’s behind
The inaugural Westfield W-League Season was a breakthrough one for Danielle Brogan. Some strong performances lead her to her first cap for the Westfield Matildas and now a spot as the new face of Sydney FC. Recently retired Westfield Matildas stalwart and new ABC commentator Cheryl Salisbury sat down with Danielle to discover what’s behind this Footballer With Style.
Name: Danielle Brogan
Age: 21
Playing Number: 3
Nickname?
Broges, from my last name but is slightly easier than Danielle
When did you start playing football?
I was 4. My dad was a football fanatic but my older brother started in kindergarten and mum said all I wanted to do was exactly what he was doing so she signed me up.
Playing position?
Defender and that-s as far as it goes!!! I started off as a goal keeper but had a bad experience with the ball hitting my nose so I never went back.
Caps for Australia?
Westfield Matildas – 1 cap
Junior club?
I played for 8 years at Belmore Eagles as a junior, which was a local club to where I grew up.
What do you love most about Sydney?
Mainly the opportunities that it offers. We have everything and anything here and although most people complain about the traffic and the noise, I don-t mind all the action!
Name one player in your team we should watch out for this year?
Sorry, but I can-t go giving away our secrets (laughs)
Who-s the toughest opponent you-ve played against?
Any Queensland side is generally the biggest opposition for a Sydney team. I think it comes down to that State of Origin like mentality from both sides.
Who-s your footballing idol?
Steven Gerrard, it-d have to be his passion for the game and I guess he-s just a typical English footballer who will fight for everything.
Favourite football team?
Definitely Liverpool FC. Didn-t really have a choice when there-s photos of me as a toddler dressed up in their kit!!
Favourite footballing moment?
A personal moment would have to be winning the WNSL final in Queensland against Queensland in 2003. But a favourite football moment would be being able to experience Liverpool winning the European Champions League and coming back from 3 nil down in 2005.
Do you have any pre-match superstition?
I have to have smooth shaven legs. And I-m also pretty particular with what underwear I wear and how I put my socks and boots on.
What-s the best goal celebration you-ve seen?
One of the funniest goal celebrations I-ve seen was from a player from a Sheffield United player who wore a second jersey underneath his own and when he scored he took the top one off and threw it into the crowd.
What goal celebration can we expect to see from you this year when you score?
As a defender, I-ll just worry about scoring first, never mind the celebration!!
Who will your club play in the Westfield W-League Grand Final this year?
Brisbane Roar. I think they have a great squad and will be high on confidence after last season.
What was it like being part of the photo shoot?
I was a little unsure at the beginning but did settle into it and had a lot of fun with the other girls and the producers and photographers. Although, I did have glue in my hair for another few weeks!! (laughs)
Last concert you went to?
P!nk, at the Entertainment Centre. She has got to be the most amazing performer anyone could imagine. Even if you don-t like her music I think you would enjoy the show she puts on.
First record or CD you ever bought?
The first one I can ever remember was Hanson and I made up that it wasn-t mine because my brother paid me out about it.
Last movie you saw in the cinema?
My Sister-s Keeper. It was a great movie but I cried from the first scene to the very last.
City you-d most live to live in?
Sydney, born and bred here and couldn-t see myself in any other place.
If you could be any other female celebrity in the world, who would it be?
Angelina Jolie.
Favourite store at Westfield?
Apart from Insport where my best mate works I-d have to say Urban Store or General Pants because that-s where most of my wardrobe is from.
Your last overseas holiday?
It was a PNO Cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. An experience to remember! I went with a group of over 50 people so there was always plenty of entertainment.
If you won lotto, what-s the first thing you-d buy?
Anything my mum wanted.
Your star sign is Cancer. Typically, they are generous, moody and humorous. Does that accurately describe you?
I-m not sure that I-m very moody, although I-m sure my brother would beg to differ and apparently I-m not very funny according to my lovely friends but I think I am pretty generous. I-d like to think so anyway.
What do you do outside football?
I manage an outer city Hotel. That-s pretty time consuming so along with training there isn-t much time for much else.
Do you have any pets?
Buddy, he-s a six-month old Jack Russell that NEVER stops moving. He is kind of cute though and very loving.
Do you have any special talents outside of football?
I wouldn-t exactly call anything I do outside of football talent!! (laughs)
Best piece of advice for girls wanting to start playing football?
It-s a great game to play. You-ll meet life time friends and have unforgettable experiences. And even though it is a male dominated sport, the women-s game is ever improving.
