There are few more exciting sights than Perth Glory and Westfield Matildas star Caitlin Foord in full flight, and ABC TV viewers were treated on Sunday with the Wollongong wunderkind in spectacular form to help the leaders knock over champs Melbourne Victory.
Foord has thrived in her first season in the west since making the move from Sydney FC, and the 19-year old has been pivotal in helping the Glory to a club record six straight wins to start the season.
The Victory were the latest to suffer as Foord continually wrecked havoc with her trademark driving runs and dynamic movement, before rounding out the game with a typically thrilling goal.
The best young player at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup discusses the Glory impressive form, life in Perth, Canada 2015 and much more.
It seemed a tough match as expected on Sunday as the leaders tackled the champions. How was it on the field?
All the spectators really enjoyed it by the sounds of it. We really wanted to get the win coming off a bad game the weekend before.
Was the team particularly focussed and determined after your first defeat of the season the week before?
Most definitely, I think everyone was mindful of that. We didn’t want to have that feeling of losing again.
And it seems like the Glory team have really got it together this season? Is there a reason for that from your perspective?
I think the biggest factor, for me anyway, is how much we are alike off the field. Everyone gets along, and we all hang out a lot. There is no separate groups in this team at all.
Do you think the Glory can go all the way?
I can’t see why not if we keep playing the way we have been. We have already beaten every team in the league so if we are on our game, I can’t see why not.
How are you enjoying your new life in Perth?
I love it here. Everything is so close, whereas in Sydney I had to travel for an hour and a half for training. The weather is perfect all the time, and I love the beaches.
And what do you make of your own form so far this season?
I’m happy. I’m playing in a new position in centre midfield. I’m happy with how I’m going there. Sometimes I’m uncertain if I’m in the right position or doing the right thing, but overall I’m happy with my form.
Is next year’s World Cup in the back of the mind?
Definitely. That is my biggest goal ever since I went to the last World Cup in Germany. It has been a long four years but it is definitely a goal of mine to get in the team. I want to experience what I experienced in Germany again because it was so amazing.
And most important question to last… What will you spend your Westfield Player of the Match voucher on?
I actually don’t know yet. It is my Nan’s birthday on Thursday but I haven’t decided just yet.
