Collette Gardiner reflects on an accomplished Westfield Matildas career

There was a time, in the mid-2000s, that Collette Gardiner, née McCallum, was considered one of the best left footed players in women’s football.  Five years on from her Westfield Matildas retirement, Gardiner is still considered one of Australia’s best ever players. 

On this day in 2015, after 81 caps, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups and two FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, Collette Gardiner hung up her boots. 

While only 29 years of age, Gardiner had packed a lifetime of football and accolades into a decade long national team career. 

By the time she ran out for her final game, fittingly against her place of birth Scotland, Gardiner was ready let go of the game she had loved for so long. 

“I feel the fact that my last game was against Scotland, it was meant to be,” said Gardiner. 

“I was having trouble with my knees before Staj [Alen Stajcic] became head coach, so I was in and out of camps for a year to try and sort them out.” 

“I was hoping to push myself for another World Cup but unfortunately my knees weren’t holding up anymore and was losing the pace of the game.” 

Knee injuries had been a constant spectre in Gardiner’s career.  Before even pulling on the green and gold, she had to fight through two knee reconstructions at the age of 15 and 16. 

That she was able to battle through was an indication of her passion for the game and the talent and vision that was evident early in her career. 

As a youth representative, Gardiner is arguably one of the best produced at her age group.  Her Young Matildas career saw her make 19 appearances and she was considered one of the best young talents in the world after being named in the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup All Star team. 

Such is her legacy at youth level that in 2019 Professional Footballers Australia named the Young Player of the Year award the Collette McCallum Medal. 

“It’s pretty surreal,” she said of the recognition.  “It didn’t kick in until I got to see the medal, which I have been lucky to keep one!” 

“It’s a nice feeling to be acknowledged on your achievements in youth level.”

After all the setbacks, making her debut for Australia against China on 30 January 2005 was a dream come true for the 19 year old. 

“I was so grateful after having two knee reconstructions that I was able to keep playing and push through to the senior squad,” she remembered. 

“I think we lost that game unfortunately 2-1 but I just remember being excited and happy to be there on my first trip.” 

Not long after, Gardiner would become an integral part of the Westfield Matildas midfield. 

An incredible 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup run saw Australia make history as they reached the quarter finals for the first time.  That tournament counts as one of the top highlights for her international career. 

“I’ll forever be grateful to Tom Sermanni for having the faith and belief to blood some youngsters in that World Cup.”

“For a few other girls and I just coming through at that time, it was invaluable to us having such quality players around to guide us. It was a brilliant squad and we never had a dull moment!”

Gardiner’s own performances, including a stunning free kick against Canada, saw her long list for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and the short list for the 2007 AFC Women’s Player of the Year. 

In 2010 she was again instrumental in another career highlight as the Westfield Matildas tasted success with a trophy at the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. 

Gardiner would also go on to represent Australia in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup before the knee troubles, that would ultimately end her career, would re-emerge. 

For all her on field performances and successes, it is the off-field connections that have left indelible memories. 

“It was such an amazing feeling to be able to play for the Matildas through the years and I will always cherish those memories with such a great group of girls.  A few I still look at now as some of my best friends."   

“It really was an honour and I’ll never let myself forget just how fortunate I was to get the chance to learn and grow under some experienced players and coaches.”

“There are too many memories of when we either were at a camp in Australia or travelling overseas for friendlies or tournaments.”

“Memories of occasionally getting time to explore cities, having fun celebrating, to entertaining ourselves in hotels or camps.”

“I do have a laugh every now and then when a moment from my playing days pops back into my head.”

In the years since, Collette has not only said goodbye to the national team but also to her playing surname of McCallum.  In late March 2020, she married her long-time partner Ricky in private ceremony in Western Australia. 

“We had an amazing day with our immediate family in the Swan Valley.” 

“I even managed to find time on our wedding day to get some kicky ups done in my wedding dress,” she laughed.  “I just couldn’t help myself!” 

As well as marriage and a new house, retirement has also allowed for more time to travel and actually see some of the countries. 

“While playing with the Matildas you really didn’t get that luxury,” Gardiner said. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to do quite a bit of travelling all around the world with my partner. We’ve had some amazing trips & it really was refreshing having the time to be able to explore these new places.”

While Gardiner is not currently involved in football, she still keeps an eye on the game through her work as a teamwear and equipment specialist for a company that looks after sports clubs in WA. 

And she keeps more than one eye on what her former teammates are doing.  For the 34 year old, watching the explosion of the women’s game in Australia in the past five years gives a sense of pride and excitement. 

“It’s brilliant to see the women’s game getting bigger and bigger,” she exclaimed.  “Not just here in Australia but all around the world.”

“It is awesome to see the girls are getting more media coverage and money.  As they should with the performances, they have put on at the world stage.” 

As for the future of the game she has helped build, all Gardiner wants is for the next young girl to have an opportunity to do what she loves and follow in her footsteps. 

“I just hope women’s football continues to grow the way it has done, mainly for the future generations.”

“The evolution of the women’s game has been great to see with some of the top clubs in Europe finally getting on board, particularly in England where the clubs are giving women the opportunity to play football full time.” 

“For me that’s the big picture.  With that in place the women’s game is only going to get better and better.”