Tokyo Olympics: Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine chasing Matildas football selection
Matildas’ hopeful Cortnee Vine knows exactly what she has to do if she wants to be in the mix for the Tokyo Olympics later this year.
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She’s lived in Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney pursing her soccer career but there’s one place new Sydney FC recruit Cortnee Vine would love to visit more than anywhere this year - Tokyo.
The football nomad has found her newest home at Epping, close to Sydney FC’s training facilities at Macquarie University.
And from here the 22-year-old has started her push to be in the Olympics mix, scoring a goal on debut in Sydney FC’s opening 3-0 win against one of her old clubs, the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Vine’s goal to be a Matilda and play at an Olympic Games received a boost when Tokyo 2020 was pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The delay has given the former Young Matilda, who is part of a 50 player shortlist for the Matildas, the chance to improve her skills and hopefully showcase her fitness and form in this season’s W-League.
“It’s like a big audition,” said former Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Wanderers player Vine said of the national competition.
“I’m hoping a good W-League and getting good time with Sydney FC will make a difference.
“Hopefully I get to come out and show them what I have.
“You’ve got to do well to turn heads.
“The Matildas have had the same team for a while. The young ones in W-League haven’t been given a lot of opportunities yet. Hopefully getting that extra year will help me.”
The young striker said a break from the game during coronavirus has intensified her hunger for a breakout season.
“I have to be fearless, play with freedom,” she said.
“Ante (Juric, coach) encourages freedom and creativity.”
On Friday Vine will take on her old club, the Newcastle Jets, in Sydney FC’s second match of a W-League fixture constantly changing because of recent coronavirus outbreaks.
“I loved Newcastle when I played there but personally I don’t get too sentimental about playing a former club,’’ she said.
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