Westfield Matildas midfielder reveals her sporting heroes

What do an Australian track and field icon and one of history's best tennis players have in common?

They're both admired by Westfield Matildas star Katrina Gorry.

As the national team continues to inspire the next generation, we asked the goal-scoring midfielder about the icons she looked up to on the way to the top.

THE BEST OF THE BEST

"We all watched Kathy Freeman compete at the Olympics," Gorry remembered when asked about her early heroes.

"I think that was something that really drove a lot of athletes and a lot of kids in that era. 

"Also, I've always loved watching [Novak] Djokovic on the world stage.

"He's an incredible competitor and he always displays how professional he is and his results reflect that," she said.

WALKING THE BEAT

Gorry remains a fixture in the Westfield Matildas five years after her debut, starting the last nine internationals and playing a key role in Wednesday night's 3-0 win over China PR at AAMI Park.

But if she wasn't patrolling the pitch, the 25-year-old might instead be tackling crime.

"[If I wasn't a footballer], I'd be a policewoman," Gorry said without hesitation.

"Since I was a kid growing up I always told my mum I was going to be a policewoman.

"She always tried to talk me out of it because she thinks it's too dangerous!

"But it's still something I'm really passionate about.

"I love problem-solving and investigating so I think that sums it up pretty well," Gorry said.