A Leagues 2023: Teenage Queenslander Zara Kruger on her whirlwind start at Sydney FC

Until recently, Zara Kruger was living on her family farm in rural Queensland. Now, she’s starting for Sydney FC and playing in front of crowds bigger than her home town’s population.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 14: Melissa Caceres of the Wanderers is tackled by Sydney FC's Zara Kruger during the round one A-League Women match between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)

Teenage sensation Zara Kruger has made many sacrifices to earn a spot in the starting 11 at Sydney FC but after playing in front of a record 11,400 strong crowd she says she wouldn’t change a thing.

Just a few short months ago Kruger, 17, was living at the family stud farm in Warwick, two hours west of Brisbane and madly studying to finish her Year 12 exams.

The Scots PGC student was given special allowances to take the exams early so she could move interstate in time for the start of the A-Leagues’ season.

The crowd Kruger played in front of in Sydney’s opening round win over Western Sydney Wanderers – was just shy of the population of Warwick.

“The first game and getting to start in front of a huge crowd and getting the win was really good,” Kruger said.

Zara Kruger at under 7s Warwick football. Picture: Erin Smith / Warwick Daily News

It’s her second year in the competition – playing 10 games for Brisbane Roar last season.

This weekend she will head back to Queensland to take on her former club, in front of all her friends and family – which Kruger is “very excited” for.

Earning a spot in the top women’s league in the country has taken a lot of commitment from Kruger.

“I started playing in Warwick and then went to Toowoomba, then to Ipswich and then Brisbane,” Kruger said.

“It was a four hour round trip for training and games four to five times a week.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and sacrifices, not only from me but from my family.”

Kruger, who is also part of the Young Matildas, said growing up her football hero was Ellie Carpenter.

Not just for her insane skills.

“I really looked up to Ellie growing up because she was from a rural area as well and had to travel to training and games,” Kruger said.

While Carpenter doesn’t play in the A-Leagues any more plenty of other Matildas stars and international footballers do. Kruger, a midfielder, is expected to be up against Matildas’ Tameka Yallop, who rejoined Roar this season.

Zara Kruger plays for the Brisbane Roar in 2022. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

While many would be starstruck or nervous about coming up against such an experienced player Kruger is determined to just focus on her own game.

“I’m just really enjoying playing to be honest,” Kruger said.

“You go away and you’re playing with different teams and squads and then in the league you meet so many new people, it’s just really great.

“It’s cool to play against (the Matildas) but I wouldn’t say I really get nervous.”

Both Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar are going into the game on the back of strong wins in Round 1.

Zara Kruger playing for Sydney FC against Wanderers in the first A League Womens round. Picture: Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images

Kruger knows it won’t be an easy game.

“Brisbane Roar have made some really strong signings, and their win last weekend will have given them a lot of confidence,” she said.

“But we’ve really been given a boost by our win last Saturday night as well, and it sets the game up nicely as one we can all look forward to.”

Brisbane Roar will host Sydney FC at Ballymore Stadium at 3pm (AEST) on Saturday.

Originally published as A Leagues 2023: Teenage Queenslander Zara Kruger on her whirlwind start at Sydney FC