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Rejuvenated Simon aiming to win Matildas recall
By GEORGE CLARKE
Indigenous soccer star Kyah Simon wants to force her way back into the Matildas’ set-up after a wretched run with injury.
Simon, who showed glimpses of recapturing her best at Central Coast Mariners last campaign, has moved to A-League Women rivals Sydney FC ahead of the new season.
Beyond her club commitments, the 33-year-old is eager to force her way back into national team contention after missing the entirety of the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury.
Simon will be out to demonstrate her readiness with her new club Sydney FC. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP)
Simon has not played for Australia for almost 18 months and is not expected to be named in interim coach Tom Sermanni’s squad tomorrow ahead of European friendlies later this month.
But Simon believes that if she can find form for Sydney a recall for home friendlies against Brazil in November is a more realistic target.
“With this window being over in Europe for me, (I’m not sure) whether it’s ideal to duck off over there and then deal with the travel and jet lag,” Simon said.
“Especially with the consistency I’ve got in my training and the history with my body, it’s a case of risk versus reward because I’d only have two days leading into that first round (ALW) game.
“I’d love to represent Australia and I will always put my hand up but at the same time it has to make sense for the individual.
“I’ll definitely be sticking my hand up for the window after that in Australia.”
Simon showed signs of returning to her best while with the Mariners last ALW season. (Steven Markham/AAP)
Simon said the chance to remain in Australia over the off-season meant she was able to enjoy a proper break for the first time in 16 years as a professional.
She estimates she has lost a third of her career due to injury and said she was keen to make up for lost time with Sydney.
Simon in action against USA in 2021. (Darren Pateman/AAP)
“I’ve calculated roughly I’ve rehabbed for five or six years of my career,” she said.
“When you have something taken away from you it motivates you to strive to get it back.
“I’ve never been one to give up and that’s what’s kept me going… My body has probably been my downfall.
“With a strong foundation leading into the season it can hopefully give me a new lease in my career to kick on for a few more years.”
AAP
