Steph Catley talks Melbourne City, Matildas and the emerge of women’s football

MELBOURNE City and Matildas star Steph Catley sits down with David Davutovic to talk the emergence of women’s football in Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Steph Catley of Melbourne City poses for a photo during a Melbourne City W-League portrait session on January 14, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE City and Matildas star Steph Catley sits down with David Davutovic to talk the women’s game in Australia.

DAVID DAVUTOVIC: Has the W-League standard lifted this season?

STEPH CATLEY: Definitely. We won first game 4-0 against Sydney without our internationals and I wasn’t sure how it would go, but it’s been amazing to see the teams really step up. Teams have really risen to the occasion against us and hopefully the standard lifts across the board next season.

DD: Many will remember women’s football this season for the Matildas’ cancelled US tour.

SC: It was disappointing time for everyone in women’s football, and not something we ever planned or wanted, but we’re better off for it. We had great publicity during the World Cup but this created a lot of publicity for other reasons and gave people more of an understanding of where things are at in women’s football. It wasn’t ideal, but I think the outcome was worth it. There was a deserved pay rise while back then there were no contracts in place.

DD: How disappointed were you and fellow former Melbourne Victory players to miss the first derby of the season because Matildas friendlies were scheduled the same weekend?

SC: The W-League is a stepping stone for the national team, so while it was disappointing to miss the derby it also gave the opportunity to some rising stars that might not have got it otherwise.

Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias and Melbourne City captain Steph Catley with the W-League trophy.

DD: Is women’s soccer getting the exposure it deserves when compared to women’s Aussie Rules, which doesn’t even have a league yet, and women’s Big Bash cricket?

SC: It’s improved a lot. When I started playing you could maybe find the odd match report but now there’s far more exposure, so I’m stoked with how far it’s come and especially this season, with Melbourne City in the papers and in the news a lot and it has been fantastic having the matches live on Fox Sports and on free to air. But AFL and cricket are doing it really well, they publicise women fantastically, especially the national team. It’s always mentioned in the broadcast and women are often interviewed, so it’s great for the women. Hopefully we can learn from it and continue to grow.

DD: You’ve played in two grand finals with great crowds as the Victory fans got behind you, are you expecting the same this year?

SC: The fans realise how much of a role they play and they really helped us in the semi-final. The crowd kept pouring in and in extra-time they were loud and right behind us and helped get us over the line.

Steph Catley on the Australian cover of FIFA 16 with Lionel Messi.

DD: What have been the benefits of sharing the FIFA 16 cover with Lionel Messi and Tim Cahill?

SC: It’s funny, they pop up everywhere. I even signed two covers after the semi-final. It’s been awesome, I never expected to be voted on the cover with Kyah Simon one of the most popular Matildas and Katrina Gorry, the Asian player of the year, but it’s something I’m very proud of and it’s humbling. Apart from a few more appearances, the main thing has been more recognition in general from boys and men.

DD: Could an All-Star women’s team one day play in the A-League?

SC: I’m not sure it would work in league, but maybe an exhibition game. It could be the Matildas or a W-League All-Star side that includes the visa stars such as Kim Little and Jess Fishlock. We used to play friendlies against men when Tom Sermanni coached the Matildas and played a men’s side in pre-season, it’s usually a pretty even contest. There’s possibilities for sure, certainly more so than any other sports because contests are tighter and physical attributes are not as decisive.