Gorry: I’m just playing with pure enjoyment of the game again

In the lead up to the Commonwealth Bank Matildas' two-game friendly series against New Zealand, Katrina Gorry spoke to the media from Townsville.

Her inclusion in the squad is her first opportunity to pull on the green and gold since Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifying against Thailand in February 2020. It is also her first inclusion in a national squad since the birth of her first child, Harper, just seven months ago.

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“It’s been awesome. For me, taking some time away from the game, I’ve fallen back in love with it. Just playing with the pure enjoyment of the game again is the best for me. It shows in my performances recently just how much happier I am on the field and hopefully, I can bring that into camp.”

“I’ve been working quite closely with Tony and Mel as well. I think for me it’s just about enjoying camp, being back in the environment, being back in and around the girls.

"Just testing myself with some of the best players in the country and in the world at the moment. There are no real expectations, just enjoy camp and enjoy the two games at home.”

Head coach Tony Gustavsson has pointed out post-Asian Cup that both the defensive and attacking sides of the midfield have at times lacked continuity. Gorry is focused on playing her part in addressing that.

“Absolutely, that’s kind of what I did when I was in the national team before I went on maternity leave so I hope to bring that to the Matildas and do whatever I can to help the team keep progressing to the 2023 World Cup.”

“For me, it’s just about enjoying it but to be back on the field with the players that I grew up with - I’m super excited."

“(I’m) just playing with pure enjoyment of the game again, which is the best for me."

"An important part of my game is combination play and to be combining with the players on the field is definitely the most important for me.”

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As a Queenslander, Gorry is excited about the opportunity to play the very first women’s national team game in Townsville, on Friday, 8 April at QCB Stadium.

“For me, it’s really exciting. I’m a Queenslander through and through so to be up here in Townsville, it’s absolutely beautiful and I’m excited to see all the supporters come out and enjoy the game. I think it’s going to be a really special one.”

“We are always hoping for a big crowd to get behind us. Obviously, New Zealand is going to be a tough match so the more crowd, the louder it is the better it is for us. I’m sure Townsville will turn it on when it comes to game day and I really hope everyone gets out and supports us.”

Katrina Gorry and Harper

“I’m sure all the girls were disappointed with the Asian Cup. I was shattered for them, you could see it after the game. For us every game is important. To be on home soil, around family and friends that’s exactly where we need to be and building into the 2023 World Cup I think these are going to be important games for us."

"To be in Townsville and Canberra - it places we haven’t played before in Townsville, and in Canberra, we haven’t been there for a long time, so we’re definitely excited to see the crowd that comes out.”

These games have a particular meaning given the trans-Tasman rivalry leading into the 2023 World Cup, hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.

“Whenever we play New Zealand it’s the same. It’s pretty much like Queensland and New South Wales, we have that rivalry. For us, hosting the world cup with them it brings something extra to it. I’m definitely excited for these games - I think they’re going to be tough ones.”

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v New Zealand 
Friday, 8 April 2022  
Venue: QCB Stadium, Townsville, Queensland 
Kick Off: 7:45pm (AEST)  
Gates Open: 6:15pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+. Check your local tv guides.
Ticketing Details: Buy now

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v New Zealand 
Tuesday, 12 April 2022  
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra 
Kick Off: 7.45pm (AEST)  
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 Bold and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount+.  
Ticketing Details: Buy now

$1 (plus GST) from every ticket will be donated to the ParaMatildas, Australia’s first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from stroke.