Women and girls across the country are seeking inspiration from the Matildas football team as they take on the globe in the World Cup in France.
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That includes women in Mount Isa like Lauren Jamieson, originally from the Coffs Harbour region in New South Wales where she has played the game since she was six years old, but who now has laced up the boots for the Mount Isa Tigers as a key central midfielder for the past four years.
Jamieson said she was getting excited for the World Cup which kicked off Saturday morning (Australian time) with hosts France beating South Korea 4-0.
"Yes I'm looking forward to it, I can't wait for it to start," she said.
Jamieson said she will watch the games on television whenever she can between shifts at the mine but it is the Aussies she is most keen on.
"Yeah I reckon they've got a chance," Jamieson said, when asked about the Matildas prospects of landing the big trophy.
"You never know what can happen on the field."
Indeed, and the statistics bear out Jamieson's optimism.
Australia are ranked sixth best in the world and if they can qualify from a tough group that includes Italy, Brazil and Jamaica, they have a chance of getting at least to the semi-finals and beyond.
Aged 32, Jamieson naturally looks to the more senior players in the Australia line-up for inspiration.
"Obviously their key players are the likes of Sam Kerr, Emily Van Egmond and Emily Gielnik but I'm looking forward to watching some of the more mature older girls," she said.
"Girls like Lisa De Vanna and Claire Polkinghorne, who are helping the younger girls come through, teaching them and mentoring."
Jamieson was too modest to admit she did a similar role for the Tigers who currently sit second in the Mount Isa senior ladies competition behind Parkside but ahead of Isaroos and Bulls.
She preferred to put the spotlight on the Matildas and how they were great role models for the game in Australia.
"They are really taking off," she said.
Australia kick off their women's world cup on Sunday with a game against Italy who are ranked 15th in the world.
The game kicks off at 9pm AEST at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes, France and can be seen live on SBS.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
