Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe knows Sam Kerr better than most – he coached Kerr before she was a global sensation during his time as a youth coach in WA.
Before taking over at Glory as head coach, Lowe had a long-time role as an NTC coach in Western Australia.
Lowe invited Kerr and a handful of other promising young female footballers to train with his under-15 boys’ side around a decade ago.
Immediately, the then future Westfield Matilda stood out.
“Sammy was super then – she was a freak athletically,” Lowe told www.a-league.com.au
“It's just so pleasing to see her go on and do what she's doing at the moment.
“I texted her the other day and said never mind playing for the girls – come and have a game for us!
“She said I couldn't afford her!” he laughed.
He has joined the long and growing list of admirers of Westfield Matildas superstar Sam Kerr.
While Kerr's goalscoring exploits and trademark somersault celebration have caught the eye in 2017, Lowe says it's her mentality which really sets her apart.
“She's got no ego – Sammy is just Sammy – there’s a ball, I'm going to go and have a kick-about. Whether it's for the Matildas in front of 50-000 at an Olympics or in a World Cup qualifier or playing for the Perth women's team in front of 150.
“You could throw two coats down for goalposts and you'd still get the same Sammy Kerr.
“Imagine if she grows as a player every year – imagine the type of player she's going to be,” said Lowe.
Kerr and her Westfield Matildas team-mates will be in action on home soil this November when Australia meets China PR in two friendlies in Victoria.
Meantime, Lowe’s Perth Glory open their Hyundai A-League 2017/18 campaign away at Western Sydney on Sunday evening.