Australian football fans finally got to see Matildas captain Sam Kerr unleashed during the Olympic qualifiers in Australia, with one small detail showing just how happy Kerr was to be home.
After a slow start against Iran, the Matildas defeated the Philippines (8-0) and Chinese Taipei (3-0) in their qualifiers at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Kerr was able to thrive against these three sides after sitting out most of the FIFA Women’s World Cup due to double calf injuries.
She particularly shone during the match in the Philippines, where the Chelsea star scored a hat-trick to the delight of the sold-out crowd.
However, the most heartwarming moment came when she took the field.
Kerr was proud to be home in Perth and shared the moment with her nieces on the Optus Stadium pitch ahead of the Matildas’ big win over the Philippines
Kerr, a Perth resident, walked onto the field holding hands with two beaming young girls.
Now it can be revealed that these girls are her beloved nieces who got to share the spotlight with their famous aunt.
Kerr has three nieces in Perth, her brother Daniel Kerr’s children, Lola (12), Ruby (10) and Luka (6).
Daniel Kerr was jailed for two years after setting fire to his parents’ house in Kardinya in May this year.
Daniel Kerr played 220 AFL games for the West Coast Eagles and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia during his captivity.
Kerr leaves Australia wearing the same jersey in honor of teammate Mackenzie Arnold that she arrived in the country with
When Sam left Australia, she also decided to hilariously prank one of her teammates for the second time this tour.
After the Chelsea star arrived in Australia ahead of the qualifiers, wearing a T-shirt with a tribute to teammate Mackenzie Arnold, Kerr decided to leave the country in the same way.
The pair traveled together from the UK after playing in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for Chelsea and West Ham respectively.