Ellie Carpenter: ‘I give everything when I’m wearing this jersey’

When Westfield Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter received her package containing the new 2020 National Team Nike Kits, she had a moment of anticipation and she wasn’t disappointed. 

“As soon as I got the delivery, I was so excited to open it,” Carpenter said.

“I think it looks really cool and I think Nike did a pretty good job.” 

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With sustainability at the core, the new 2020 National Team Nike Kits are a contemporary look on Australia’s national team history. 

The home kit is in the traditional gold with a green collar and will be paired with green shorts and gold socks. 

MORE: Nike reveals a sustainable Australia National Team Kit

[Customise your Facebook Profile Pic with our brand new home jersey!]

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While the away kit is a fresh look at the 2004 kit with fresh water socks and deep obsidian shorts. 

For Carpenter the home kit is a little bit of back to the future.  When she made her debut at the Rio 2016 Olympic Qualifiers, the home kit also featured a gold colour way with green colour. 

“I love the retro feel about it,” she said. 

Bringing back the collar, yeah I am all about it! I'm so excited to play in the collar again. I think it looks really smart and schmick."

“I’m just so excited to have a new kit and hopefully wear it very soon.” 

The away kit, which Carpenter is featured in for the launch imagery, is also a hit with the defender as teal is one of her favourite colours. 

[Customise your Facebook Profile Pic with our brand new away jersey!]

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Ellie Carpenter in the home kit (Supplied)

While Carpenter is thrilled with the new home and away collection, the Westfield Matilda is even more excited about being able to pull on the jersey once again. 

The last time the Westfield Matildas were in action, the team qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics before a pandemic swept the globe. 

While the 20-year-old has had a strong start to her club career with Olympique Lyonnais, it is the opportunity of being back with the national team and representing her nation that fills Carpenter with anticipation. 

Pulling on the Matildas jersey is everything.  Wearing the green and gold, walking out; it's a dream come true and every moment I get to put on that jersey I'm so appreciative of the opportunity.”

“Playing for Australia, it’s an amazing experience.  It's just such a fun time and I've missed feeling that recently so hopefully we can all get back together soon.” 

While the unveiling of a new national team jersey design has a excitement attached to it, for players, the jersey has an additional significance. 

The jersey and the crest represent years of dedication and sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of football. 

“I've always dreamt about playing for my country,” said Carpenter.

“Every time I put it [the jersey] on, it just reminds me of where I've come from and how hard it has been to get to this point.”

Every time I put it on, I just feel so privileged to be wearing this. I give everything that I've got every time I step on that pitch wearing this jersey.”

For Carpenter, seeing how the Australian public has embraced the Westfield Matildas over the past four years she has been in the team has been special. 

The support received is a key reason why she can’t wait for the extended international break to finish and to be back playing at home again.   

When we're playing and we look at the crowd and we see everyone in our jerseys, we feel so supported and loved by Aussie supporters.”

“To reunite after this very hard time that we've all been through the last couple of months.  Hopefully we can all celebrate after a game, all in our new jerseys and be back to happy times again with fans at games. 

“We can't wait to be back out there playing in front of you all.” 

Made from recycled plastic bottles, the jersey is available from Friday, 18 September from $99.99 AUD at rebelsport.com.au.

Sustainability note:
Nike’s first-ever product made with recycled plastic bottles debuted in Sydney in 2000. Fast forward to 2020, where all of Nike’s Federation football kits are made from plastic bottles. Find out more here.