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Nine-year-old Matildas fan interviews the Brick Wall, Mackenzie Arnold

The Brick Wall Mackenzie Arnold sat down with a nine-year-old Matildas fan ahead of the first ‘Open Air Live’ event in Sydney.

Mackenzie Arnold interview

There was a wild reception for Matildas legends Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy as they came together for a fan event in Sydney.

The trio hosted ‘Open Air Live’ at CommBank stadium on Thursday night.

The event, which included a live on-field masterclass, provided an exclusive insight into their professional lives.

Famously known for their friendship on and off the field, the trio delivered an unforgettable experience for fans, thanking them for their incredible support in 2023.

Matildas fan Harper, 9, interviews her idol Mackenzie Arnold for news.com.au.
Matildas fan Harper, 9, interviews her idol Mackenzie Arnold for news.com.au.
Mackenzie Arnold was at Open Air Live to thank fans like Harper for their support in 2023.
Mackenzie Arnold was at Open Air Live to thank fans like Harper for their support in 2023.

Harper, a nine-year-old Matildas fan and keen goalkeeper, had the opportunity to ask her sporting hero some questions for news.com.au, with the full video in the player above.

The Brick Wall (and fill-in minister of defence) said the dramatic penalty shootout victory over France was a highlight of the year.

Arnold also revealed her brother Sam was her hero, that she listens to country star Luke Combs to hype herself up before a match, and she misses her family, her dog and the sun when she’s away from home.

The 29-year-old, who plays club football with West Ham United in the Women’s Super League, also spoke about how it was “cool” to wear hearing aids.

“My brother grew up wearing hearing aids. I think the whole stigma around it used to be a bit self-conscious wearing them but hopefully I’ve broken the stigma around that.”

There was only one question that stumped the popular goalkeeper and that was about Sam Kerr. Arnold couldn’t be convinced to share any secrets about her teammate and the star forward.

Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy are close friends off the pitch.
Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy are close friends off the pitch.
The crowds were thrilled to see the Matildas at CommBank stadium.
The crowds were thrilled to see the Matildas at CommBank stadium.
Kate Ritchie and Alanna Kennedy. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Kate Ritchie and Alanna Kennedy. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Anthony Minichiello with his daughter and young fans. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Anthony Minichiello with his daughter and young fans. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Kate Ritchie and daughter Mae with Alanna Kennedy. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Kate Ritchie and daughter Mae with Alanna Kennedy. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Mackenzie Arnold with fans at the 'Open Air Live' event. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency
Mackenzie Arnold with fans at the 'Open Air Live' event. Picture: Christopher Khoury / Australian Press Agency

The first in a series of events, Open Air Live is a live experience which brings fans up close and personal to their favourite sporting heroes.

Arnold told news.com.au it was great to share the experience with her best friends and the fans could expect some “banter” as they gave insights into their positions on the field and how they play in big matches.

Originally published as Nine-year-old Matildas fan interviews the Brick Wall, Mackenzie Arnold

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/matildas/nineyearold-matildas-fan-interviews-the-brick-wall-mackenzie-arnold/news-story/25b7c19266d02c3a52c0255d39fbe11f