Servet Uzunlar fondly remembers her playing days with the North Sutherland Rockets.
And tonight, the 26-year-old will get the chance to represent her country in her own backyard, just up the road from where she made her name.
Australia take on Vietnam at Kogarah Oval in their farewell game before the Matildas fly out for the women’s World Cup in Canada.
It will be Uzunlar’s second World Cup and the veteran of 45 caps said that experience would be vital.
‘‘The feeling is a little different this time,’’ she said.
‘‘I know what to expect, but you still get butterflies.
‘‘It’s always an honour to play for your country and I’ve been very lucky and I’ve worked very hard.’’ The Sydney FC defender is likely to start at right back in the tournament that opens for the Matildas on June 9 against heavyweights the US.
Australia have been drawn in the group of death alongside the US, Sweden and Nigeria; a challenge that excites Uzunlar.
‘‘As a player you want to play the best and beat the best,’’ she said.
‘‘We’ve got that Aussie mentality of always going and giving 100 per cent.
‘‘We’ve got a fantastic team.’’
As for tonight, Uzunlar is looking forward to playing in front of her home crowd.
‘‘My whole family and my friends will be there. And speaking to the other girls it’s the same.
‘‘I’m pumped. It’s been a very long time since my family have seen me play in the green and gold in front of a home crowd. I grew up in Sutherland. I’m a Shire girl.
‘‘To play here is firstly an honour and secondly we want to show the Australian public what we’re about and give them something special.’’
Kick-off will be 6.30pm.
