Kate Gill has played a pivotal role in Perth Glory’s march to the Grand Final with her side now just 90 minutes away from a maiden Westfield W-League crown.
The Westfield Matildas captain has been in unstoppable form netting 12 goals during the regular season to secure the competition’s golden boot crown.
Gill added another in Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Sydney FC with a spectacular lob, and also set up another as the Glory advanced in style.
The tall striker talks through Grand Final week, the rare chance of collecting silverware and the impetus for football in the west.
How was the intensity on the pitch in the semi-final against Sydney?
Finals matches are quite different to what you get week-in, week out. For us it was very much doing what we have been doing well all season. Not getting caught up in the moment, and performing in the game as it came.
How exciting is it for the Glory to be in their first grand final?
It is fantastic. It has created such a buzz around WA football, especially with the boys being on top in their ladder as well. The crowd was great on Sunday as well, and the best thing was seeing so many young girls at the game and enjoying it.
Will it be a challenge to enjoy the week but not get too carried away?
We have the kind of characters in our team to not allow that to happen. With Jamie (Harnwell) leading our team and having been there and down that, he will keep us grounded as well.
And, after all these years a rare chance for you to collect silverware?
Well I play football because I enjoy it, but yes it would be nice to collect some rewards at the end of the day, so it would be nice to be able to do that on Sunday.
How did you goal on Sunday rank in your all-time list of spectacular goals?
It was just one of those things. It was just the timing and the moment. I saw where Casey (Dumont) was and the ball bounced right, so I thought ‘why not, and see what happens’.
You have had two tough matches against Canberra. How do you think you match-up against them?
There have both been very competitive encounters. The last game, we were missing a few players, but take nothing away from Canberra. They wanted it more than us, although we were already in the semis. They are a very worthy opponents and I think it will be a very entertaining game.
How nice will it be to have a big local crowd behind you?
You always love playing at home, and if you can play at home in front of a big crowd then even better.
And finally…. What will you spend your Westfield Player of the Match voucher on?
Well I have a few brothers to look after, and being Christmas time it might mean spending it on Christmas presents!
