Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams on her unconventional background and proud indigenous heritage

IF there’s one person you’d pick be stuck on a desert island with, Matildas and Melbourne City goalkeeper Lydia Williams would have to be it. Well, among professional sportspersons at least.

Williams has a very mixed background. (Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

IF there’s one person you could pick to be stuck on a desert island with, Matildas and Melbourne City goalkeeper Lydia Williams would have to be it. Well, among professional sportspersons at least.

Williams’ parents met in unique circumstances and felt it important to pass on centuries old traditions to their outrageously gifted daughter in Kalgoorlie, WA.

“They met in the middle of the desert. Mum was working there as a missionary with indigenous people and lived as an indigenous person. Dad never had a job, he was part of the Stolen Generation, always went on missions,’’ Williams said.

Williams has a very mixed background. (Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

“She came from Wall St and lived in a tent, met my dad on a New Year’s night, they exchanged letters to each other and he proposed to her via letters.

“The way that they met obviously was different. They pretty much both were in their late 30s and thought let’s not beat around the bush — he asked to marry her within a few months of meeting. They exchanged letters, she flew over to Australia, they had their honeymoon in a cave.

“They both thought it was important for my childhood to incorporate both heritages. Mum being American, Dad being Aboriginal, we also had kangaroo tail and then pumpkin pie at Christmas time.

“My dad taught me how to live off the land, was a tribal elder. So we had two pet kangaroos, learnt how to hunt for bush turkeys and kangaroos and make fire and everything. That was my childhood — pretty much as bush as you can get.”

“If you get stuck in the bush, which person would you want to have I think I’m the number one choice (among teammates).”

The Melbourne City keeper is looking forward to the annual indigenous Recognition Round. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Williams’ upbringing comes into focus this week as Melbourne City celebrates their annual indigenous Recognition Round when they host leaders Brisbane Roar in Sunday’s crucial W-League clash at AAMI Park (4.30pm) with the finals hopes on the line.

“It’s pretty special. I’ve never been part of a welcome to country or celebrated an indigenous round — AFL and NRL celebrate it, so I’m excited,’’ she said.

“I’ve been really lucky to be able to travel to the desert and see communities and be a part of ceremonies and stuff that not a lot of people would’ve seen.

“I used to do corroborees when I was growing up as well, it’s pretty special.”

Williams is a mainstay for the Matildas. (Todd Korol/Getty Images)

Capped 64 times by the Matildas, the almost impenetrable Williams is the backbone of a team that Australia has fallen in love with and on verge of greatness.

Williams, 29, is not scared to share her opinions, as evidenced when fronting the controversial Matildas strike in 2015.

But on the increasingly hot topic of Australia Day date, Williams in conciliatory.

“I don’t really have a view on it, I just want Australia to be accepting of everyone and happy,” Williams said.

“What makes Australia great is that it’s so multicultural, so I understand it from both sides.

“It’s nice that National Sorry Day is recognised. I love Australian and I love being indigenous and I love being American.”