With Sam Kerr finally ruled out of the Paris Olympics, a Monash University expert is available to talk about the implications for the Matildas, as well as Australia’s Olympic hopes.
Dr Tom Heenan, Lecturer, Sport and Australian Studies in the Monash Intercultural Lab, Faculty of Arts
Contact: +61 439 047 118 or tom.heenan@monash.edu
Read more of Dr Heenan’s commentary at Monash Lens
The following can be attributed to Dr Heenan:
“Cut the media hot-air. The headlines announcing Sam Kerr's absence from the pre-Olympic squad were expected. At 32 and after six months sidelined by a knee injury, it was highly unlikely she would risk her professional career on a two-week footy trip to Paris.
“Her next major outing for the Matidas, the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, will probably be her swansong. The spate of headlines stating the 'bleeding obvious' merely reinforce Kerr's place as Australia's greatest ever player – men included – and her durability as one of Australia's most iconic sporting figures.
“Such is the hold of sport in Australia that Kerr's big night out in Twickenham, and her pending day in court, have not tarnished her's or the Matildas' marketability. Their impressive line of hometown sell-outs have not only bolstered Football Australia's financial bottom-line, but are proof that Australians have finally found a national team worth shouting about.”
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
