My Westfield Matildas Story: Tameka Yallop - 'My thinking just switched and that was what I wanted to do'

Tameka Yallop has never lacked self-belief and from the moment she found out about the Westfield Matildas she set her mind to pulling on the green and gold jersey.

Speaking to matildas.com.au, the 27-year old midfielder revealed her journey to becoming an Australian representative and the confidence that allowed her to reach her goal.

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“The first time I realised that I wanted to represent Australia was when I actually found out there was a women’s Australian team,” Yallop admitted.

“I think I must have been 12 or 13. Up until then I had played with the boys and just thought I would be playing with the boys for the rest of my life.

“When I found out there was a women’s team my thinking just switched and that was what I wanted to do.

“I think the moment it all became reality for me was when I first went overseas and played in Germany. That was my first real professional club and it kind of just hit me that I could do this for as long as I wanted.”

A mainstay of the Westfield Matildas engine room, Yallop made her debut back in 2008 alongside current Melbourne City teammate Elise Kellond-Knight.

“The moment I stepped out on the field against New Zealand playing up on the Sunshine Coast I had my teammate Elise Kellond-Knight by my side and we both stepped onto the field at the same time,” Yallop said.

“The feeling is kind of indescribable. It’s everything you’ve ever worked for and everything you’ve ever dreamed of and to share it with eleven other people and even more is a dream come true.”

Watch the full video at the top of this page. 

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