All eyes will be on Sam Kerr heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but Australia’s biggest threat might yet emerge from her shadow.
Caitlin Foord will join her close friend at a fourth World Cup in 2023, 12 years on from debuting as a 16-year-old full-back.
Now a dangerous attacker, the 28-year-old appears primed to make the home tournament her own.
Most importantly, Foord finally believes she can.
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“It sounds corny, but to know how good I am – maybe I’ve doubted that a bit before and it’s played a factor,” Foord told AAP.
“Physically and mentally I feel in a really good place and maybe it’s helped to find what that feels like to me.
“Just going into the tournament and knowing the role that I can have within the team and the impact I can have, that comes with experience.
“If I can do everything I possibly can for the team, and everyone else is doing that, then we’ll be very successful.”
Matildas defender Steph Catley has had front-row tickets to the Foord show at club side Arsenal, as well as the national team.
“She’s in the form of her life right now,” Catley told AAP.
“It’s just been really fun to watch because I’ve played with her for a long time now and I’ve seen how hard she’s worked, how humble she is.
“My favourite time to play is when Caitlin’s in front of me because I know what I’m going to get from her.
“She works hard off the ball like no other player that I’ve played with, she’s so smart defensively.
“The way she’s playing in terms of going at players one-v-one, shooting, assisting – she’s doing everything at the moment.
“I couldn’t be happier for her and I think she’ll continue that form going into the World Cup and she’s going to be one of the most important players for us.”
The shift-up in roles under head coach Tony Gustavsson has also paid dividends.
Foord has been used as an attacking midfielder, with Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine on the wings and Kerr up top.
But so close does Foord play to Kerr, it is often more like a front four. And it’s paying off, big-time.
Foord has scored seven goals in her past five internationals, while Kerr looks far less isolated.
“Tony’s seen something in me to play in the No.10 and when I’ve been in that role I’ve enjoyed being in there,” Foord said.
“I’ve felt that I can get on the ball more, connect better with Sam and create more. I get a lot more goalscoring opportunities.”
Former No.10 Katrina Gorry now sits deeper in midfield, and is more than happy for Foord to take up the attacking space.
“Caitlin Foord is the one to watch this World Cup,” Gorry told AAP.
“Every time she’s on the pitch with Australia you can feel something’s happening. I love playing with her as a No.10.
“You can put the ball anywhere and she always gets there, she’ll always use her body to hold up the ball and bring players in. She’s just such a fierce competitor.
“Her defensive game in a No.10 role is super-important for us as well and that’s why we’ve done so well.”
