Kyah Simon back leading Central Coast Mariners into A-League finals after major knee issues
Kyah Simon’s horror knee injury playing for Tottenham in 2022 saw her kept off the pitch for 438 days. It’s one of the reason’s she so grateful for an A-League finals return with the Central Coast Mariners.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The fact Kyah Simon is playing finals football is remarkable – not because she plays for the revamped Mariners – but because of the painful, lengthy battle back from a horror knee injury.
Simon damaged all three major structures in her knee, including her ACL, while playing for Tottenham in 2022.
It took her 438 days to get back on the pitch. The Matildas forward has previously described to Code Sports the painful nature of the injury and the tough road back to pulling on a pair of boots.
She has starred in nine matches for the Mariners this season – scoring three goals.
Mariners will play Melbourne Victory on Sunday – who finished just one point ahead of the NSW team on the ladder.
Simon would love to get the win and progress all the way to the grand final.
“Knowing the journey that I’ve been on to even get myself back on the park training day in and day out and playing games – only I really know the full extent of how tough that journey was,” Simon said.
“To be able to play on the pitch with the girls in finals football these are the moments why we do what we do.
“I’m so grateful that I’m able to share these moments and memories with the girls on the park instead of supporting them from the stand and actually be able to make a real impact on the field as well.”
Standing in Simon’s way of a fairytale ending to her return to the A-League's is a team stacked with her Matildas’ teammates.
Mariners had a draw and a loss against Victory during their meetings this season.
Despite the pressure of the must-win match Simon said she wasn’t feeling nervous about the game.
“I’m not really feeling any extra pressure, I just see it as an opportunity for us here at the Mariners and our first time back in the A-League's. We have a fairly young squad and it is the first time playing finals football for a lot of the girls.”
The week off for the international break gave the Mariners a chance to refresh and grasp the excitement of finals football.
Simon said they didn’t plan to make any drastic changes for the game.
“I think we have been a very versatile and adaptable team throughout the season,” Simon said.
“I think we’ve probably caused more problems for other teams because they don’t really know what to expect from us.
“We are going to have to show up first and foremost to not allow any of those kind of extra nerves or pressure get to us as a group.
“I have full confidence in the team and in the girls that we can get the job done if we show up and put our best foot forward.”
Central Coast Mariners will play Melbourne Victory, in Melbourne on Sunday at 4pm.
More Coverage
Originally published as Kyah Simon back leading Central Coast Mariners into A-League finals after major knee issues
Matildas star saluted by peers
One of the Matildas’ most popular players has been recognised by her peers for her good form.
Fan favourite wins young player of the year, as star snubbed
An Aussie fan favourite has joined an exclusive club as a second time winner of the FPA’s best young footballer award, while one of the nation’s fastest rising talents was snubbed by their peers.