Experts tip Westfield Matildas star Kerr to shine in 2018 NWSL

She broke a stack of records and dominated the National Women’s Soccer League in America last year and Westfield Matildas star Sam Kerr is expected to set the competition alight again in 2018.

That’s the opinion of the leading writers from the NWSL Media Association after a poll on the competition’s website this week.

The esteemed journalists were asked to vote on their picks for this season’s champions, most valuable player, best leader, future coach and many other topics.

And it’s no surprise that Kerr, who has moved from Sky Blue FC to Chicago Red Stars in the off-season, topped many of the categories.

The 24-year-old took out the MVP award in 2017 on the back of a record 17-goal season, which included a historic four-goals in one half of a match.

Here’s a look at the category’s Kerr topped the voting on…and if the writers are on the money, her 2018 will be even better than last year.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Kerr received an impressive 35% of the vote to be the league’s best player.

She was a clear favourite with Brazil and Orlando Pride star Marta next best with 15%, while Sam Mewis was third with 10%.

GOLDEN BOOT WINNER

Given her scintillating form for club and country, it’s no surprise Kerr was the standout pick to be the competition’s leading scorer.

She picked up 50% of the vote in this category, beating out Alex Morgan (20%) and Amy Rodriguez (10%).

NWSL’S BEST FORWARD

Kerr was top of this list be a landslide.

Almost 80% of the vote was for the Aussie sensation, well clear of Marta (16%) and Morgan with 5%.

BEST INTERNATIONAL PLAYER

This category was a two-horse race with Kerr again a clear favourite.

She had 70% of the journalists' vote, easily finishing ahead of Marta with 20%.

THE PLAYER YOU WOULD PICK TO START A NEW NWSL TEAM

In a strong indication of just how devastating a player Kerr is, she was the first-choice for this topic as well.

Kerr picked up 35% of the vote as the player to build a new franchise around, finishing ahead of Mewis (15%) and Mallory Pugh (10%).

Sam Kerr enjoyed a record-breaking year with Sky Blue FC in the NWSL.