Why Matildas star Cortnee Vine has never felt better – and how she could be Sydney FC’s x-factor in A-League Women’s Grand Final showdown against Melbourne City

EXCLUSIVE

Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine has ominously declared she is ready to add to her extensive silverware collection ahead of Saturday’s A-League Women’s (ALW) Grand Final against Melbourne City.

Vine, 26, is emerging as a key figure for the Sky Blues, who will be looking to exact revenge after recently losing the Premier’s Plate in dramatic fashion.

A few costly stumbles from Ante Juric’s side ahead of the semi-finals saw Melbourne City crowned league champions, but Vine remains confident her team can play the role of party poopers at AAMI Park and lift the trophy to tow.

‘It [losing the league] definitely works as motivation,” she told Ny Breaking Australia.

Vine hopes to win Saturday’s grand final with Sky Blues teammate and girlfriend Charlotte McLean (left)

“It’s our fourth consecutive grand final and overall we have good games against them. “We’re all looking forward to it.”

Vine has been a consistent performer domestically this season, but admits her life is not the same after her heroic penalties for the Matildas against France at last year’s World Cup.

The competition tent is now recognized in most places she goes and finds the attention ‘flattering’.

“Life has definitely changed, I feel like people are staring at me sometimes… there are a lot of eyes on me,” she said.

‘It’s the little things… I used to walk into my local coffee shop in my pajamas and place an order. I don’t do that anymore.

‘The same applies in the supermarket. People sometimes do a double take to see if it’s me, and then often ask for a photo.

“I’m getting used to the attention. It’s new, but flattering.”

Cortnee Vine became a national hero after her heroic penalty kicks in the World Cup quarter-final against France last August

Vine also confirmed why she didn’t compete in Australia’s Olympic qualifiers in February.

“At the time, I felt like I needed a life reset,” she said.

‘I will be available for Paris, but as Tony [Gustavsson] goes in a different direction, I won’t have any problems with that.

“I had to put myself first.”

The Victoria-born star made her W-League debut with Brisbane Roar as a teenager, but it was her next move to Newcastle where she first felt a sense of belonging as a professional athlete.

“I loved it, it was honestly one of the best times of my life,” Vine said as she reflected on her time with the Jets between 2017 and 2019.

‘I’ve been fortunate to have had quite a bit of success with Sydney over the years, but I will always be grateful for the opportunities Newcastle have given me.’

Ultimately, European football is waiting for Vine – the question is when.

Cortnee Vine was recently announced as a brand ambassador for luggage brand Strand

She also caught the attention of the Matildas during their friendly victory over Mexico on April 9

‘I get asked this all the time. The truth is, I’ll go when I’m ready,” she said.

‘I love my life here in Australia, I’m in no rush… I still look forward to seeing myself on billboards and at the back of buses.

‘I would like to see the competition [in Australia] more professional, but I understand that this will not happen overnight.

‘Right now I don’t want to move abroad for the rest of my life…[but] if the right opportunity presents itself, I will explore it.”

Kick-off at AAMI Park for the ALW Grand Final is 4.15pm.