Westfield Matildas on the idols that inspired their rise

As they lead the way for the next generation, the current crop of Westfield Matildas are following in the footsteps of their own idols before them.

We asked some of the national team's modern day stars about their sporting and footballing heroes.

KYAH SIMON

Probably my hero or inspiration growing up was Cathy Freeman. She's a strong, indigenous female who represented our country at the 2000 Olympics and won a gold medal and that's kind of what inspired me to represent our country.

KATRINA GORRY

We all watched Cathy Freeman at the Olympics, I think that's something that drove a lot of our athletes and a lot of kids in that era. She is probably the only one for me, but I have always loved watching Novak Djokovic on the tennis stage. I think he's an incredible competitor, he always displays how professional he is and his results reflect that.

CLARE POLKINGHORNE

Di Alagich when I first came into the Matildas. She was a defender at the time and she had a really big influence on my career early on and was a player I looked up to.

ALANNA KENNEDY

When I was young I really admired the way Collette McCallum played. She wore number 14 as well, which is my number now. I chose that number because my brother wore it but obviously liked Collette even more because she wore it too.

She's just a great technician. I pride myself on good technique and she's one of the best.