The World Cup, fond memories and more with Sally Shipard!!

Its not every weekend that you get to meet a player with over 50 Matilda's caps, experience at 2 world cups and was an integral part of Australia's Asian Cup winning side in 2010. Nevertheless, at Lynwoood park for the Ram's -17s match versus North Shore, former Matilda Sally Shipard braved the chilly conditions alongside many other spectators to watch some of the future stars of our game. At half-time and before the match Sally could easily be recognised for her contagious smile and signature hairstyle amongst the staff and friends she spoke too. Not one to miss an opportunity, we caught up with the 2012 PFA player of the year in a free moment and luckily she was more than welcoming in share a few moments with us. Here's how the convo went!

Hi Sally, you've come here today to watch some of the youth players, do you have any fond memories from the time when you were younger?

Sally: I do, absolutely, and I was quite chuffed to be sitting with Rob Laws and Norm Boardman, I mean Norm was our coach when I was about the age of Rosie (Galea), so yeah was pretty cool, pretty nostalgic actually.

Okay, whats probably the favourite moment of your career so far?

Sally: Wow, umm.... I can't go past winning the 2010 Asian Cup with the Matildas (seen left celebrating with Keeper Melissa Barbieri). Though as a kid one of my most vivid memories and one that I enjoyed would be winning the Nationals up at Coffs Harbour. And all our NSW country camps- They were always pretty fun.

Favourite Coach?

Sally: My favourite coach....well I've already mentioned Norm, a pretty gentle human being, but I think the most influential coach I've had through my career would have to be Staj (Alen Stajcic-Matildas Coach). But I wouldn't tell him to his face haha.

Young Players are always looking for expert advice, so what can make them a better player. Is there any particular characteristics that you would say makes a really good player?

Sally: Umm I think I was quite blessed with a lot of natural ability...but I also knew that I wanted to have a wonderful touch on the ball and juggling certainly helped me with that....

And you do have great control

Sally: Haha thankyou....and having a good awareness, having a look over your shoulder for example if you're playing in the middle of the park, but also just knowing where the ball is gonna go as a result of having it at your feet, I think thats an important thing... being able to read the play, and seeing that next play, not only controlling the ball, but where you can then play it. That's one of the most important aspects of my game as a midfielder, but yeah like I said...

Yeah thats a very midfielder perspective!

Sally: I think that it was all pretty natural...haha, yeah well I can't really say work on your speed, because I wasn't the quickest player, so those are the strengths I suppose I relied upon and worked at.

You did a lot of travelling with the Matildas and the like; where was your favourite country?

Sally: Football wise? Umm I couldn't really think beyond Crete for example in Greece, during the Athens Olympics, that was pretty cool. And I played a season in Germany (for Bayer Leverkusen see above) too which was a pretty wonderful experience as well.

What do you think of the Women's game overall at the moment?

Sally: Oh I think it's coming along in leaps and bounds and we can only really anticipate the game growing from where it is, you know and next week with the World Cup starting I think there will be a wonderful little buzz and I can't wait to get involved with the SBS and doing some stuff on the panel for the games...

Oh really?? Is that live for the World Cup?! I'll be watching that...

Sally: *Grinning* Yeah yeah, you should give them a shout out. So it'll be wonderful to see, you know hopefully the Matildas be successful or at least play some good football, for the world to see and also the fans here in Australia.

Okay Sally so one more question. Who would be your player to watch at the World Cup this year?

Sally: I'm excited to see Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar), how she'll step up, because she's really stepped up to another level within...the Asian conference I suppoise, biut it'll be interesting to see how she goes against the European nations and you know from the middle of the park....and Van Egmond (Newcastle Jets) has matured beyond doubt over the last couple years so it'll be exciting to watch her too.

Alright fantastic. Thanks for your time Sally and enjoy the rest of your day!

Sally: Thanks!

 

Rams would like to thank Sally for her time and valuable insight and advice, and look forward to seeing her feature as part of SBS's broadcast of the 2015 Womens's FIFA World Cup in Canada. To see Sally on the SBS panel and to watch our Matildas take on the World's best teams, tune in to SBS ONE and online.

The first match is against heavyweights the USA on Tuesday 9th June and coverage starts LIVE at 9am AEST on SBS ONE

For all the details including all game times, highlights shows and more, jump to sbs.com.au or follow the link below:

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2015/05/11/watch-2015-fifa-womens-world-cup-live-sbs

Caleb Rodriguez