Brisbane Roar’s teenage star Grace Kuilamu joins Matildas squad just two years after watching epic WC shootout

When the Matildas triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout against France at the last World Cup, Brisbane schoolgirl Grace Kuilamu was in the crowd. Now, the Brisbane Roar teenager is set to join the Tillies squad.

Two years ago Grace Kuilamu sat in the stands watching the Matildas epic penalty shootout with France at the World Cup – she wasn’t even a professional footballer – now she is set to make her Matildas debut.

The 18-year-old Brisbane Roar winger has been named in new Matildas coach Joe Montemurro’s first squad for the upcoming four game window.

With a number of regular Matildas players unavailable due to load management and injuries Montemurro is giving A-League’s Women’s rising stars a chance to show what they can do.

Kuilamu’s dream of playing for the Matildas was cemented watching the World Cup two years ago – that unforgettable epic penalty shoot out between France and Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

“It was a crazy moment, it was intense and everyone was just going crazy but in that moment I knew I wanted to get there one day, to be playing in that stadium and wearing the jersey,” Kuilamu said.

Grace Kuilamu in action for the Brisbane Roar. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The teen, who graduated from Brisbane State High last year, didn’t expect the opportunity to come around so quickly.

A cruel ACL injury after just her second ALW game for Brisbane Roar in the 2023/24 season means she only has one season of professional football under her boots.

Kuilamu said the ACL injury was a blessing in disguise for two reasons. The first it allowed her to put more focus into her Year 12 studies. And it made her a better footballer.

It was very evident the extra gym sessions and time analysing the game from the sidelines had benefited her – she finished her first full ALW season with five goals and three assists.

But when an email popped up in her inbox informing her of her selection while she was studying for an engineering exam Kuilamu thought it was a prank.

Grace Kuilamu has just one season of ALW football under her belt. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

A well timed call from Roar coach Alex Smith informed her it was not a spam email.

“It was something I was planning on for a few years, it’s definitely crazy that it has come around so fast,” Kuilamu said.

“But it’s such an opportunity and privilege.”

Kuilamu has had a taste of playing in the national team through a few stints with the Young Matildas.

And this past week she has trained alongside Hayley Raso at the Queensland Academy of Sport.

The pair play the same position and like Raso, Kuilamu is lightning quick down the wing.

“It’s definitely just a natural ability,” Kuilamu said of her speed.

“Ever since primary school I’ve pretty much just been doing every sport – cross country, athletics, touch football, soccer – anything I could.

“In recent years and obviously going into the A-League I’ve been fine tuning it with work in the gym – so that flows on to my running.”

Grace Kuilamu will join the Matilidas camp in Perth. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Kuilamu is looking forward to the challenge of the national team camp but isn’t letting herself get too excited about the prospect of working her way in as a permanent fixture before next year’s Asian Cup.

“I’m just hoping that this is another step in my football career and I can continue to grow as a player. I’m in the A-League, but hopefully I can go overseas and continue to represent Australia and play at all levels,” she said.

The Matildas play Slovenia in Perth on June 26, kick off is at 9pm AEST.

Originally published as Brisbane Roar’s teenage star Grace Kuilamu joins Matildas squad just two years after watching epic WC shootout