My Westfield Matildas Story: Elise Kellond-Knight – ‘We're no longer dreaming. It's reality’

If Elise Kellond-Knight ever had any doubts of the enormity of what it means to play at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, they were wiped away at her first taste of the tournament in 2011.

In a series of exclusive interviews for www.matildas.com.au, we are catching up with Ante Milicic's 23-player squad in the build-up to the World Cup.

Today we hear from Kellond-Knight, who reflects on her green and gold journey and the rise of the women’s game in recent years.

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“In 2011, at that first World Cup, it made me realise the women’s game was reaching a new level of professionalism,” Kellond-Knight said.

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“The stadiums we played in, the crowds we played in front of, [it] was a step above what I was used to.

“Since then it’s just grown in leaps and bounds.”

The same could be said of Kellond-Knight and the Westfield Matildas.

Elise Kellond-Knight shows a great touch as Gema Simon closes in
Elise Kellond-Knight in training with the Westfield Matildas in Turkey

A fulcrum of Australia’s feisty but creative midfield for the best part of a decade, the 28-year-old has been there every step of the way as the Australian side has become one of the best in the world.

The team’s success in recent years has lifted expectation not only within the squad but also among the Australian public.

And that’s just fine with Kellond-Knight

“I want our fans to have a sense of hope. This is one of our best chances to walk away with a medal so I want our fans to really feel and believe we can achieve something,” said the 106-cap midfielder.

WATCH: Sam Kerr's Westfield Matildas story
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“We’re definitely no longer dreaming. It’s a big reality that it’s a big event we’re about to go to so everyone better get ready.”

Watch the full video at the top of this page.

Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia

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