Ahead of her last game on home soil Lydia Williams reflects on her incredible 19-years with the Matildas

Lydia Williams always wanted the Matildas to fight for what they believe in. The veteran opens up about the side’s rise from amateurs to all stars as her 19-year career nears its end.

Athletes play to win but Matildas veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ No.1 aim during her 19-year career was to leave a legacy, make an impact and inspire.

And after playing 103 games in the green and gold there is no doubt the proud Noongar woman has done exactly that.

Williams, who played for Melbourne Victory this A-League season, will pull on her Australian kit for the last time on home soil in front of a sold-out crowd at Accor Stadium on Monday night.

The 36-year-old announced last month her plan to retire from international football after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“It’s a closing of the circle,” Williams said.

“You don’t really get much time as an athlete to have hindsight, you have to move on from tournament to tournament or from club season to club season.

Lydia Williams has been a huge in getting the women’s game to where it is today. Picture: Getty Images

“Over the last few months I’ve been able to have that recollection and reflection on my career.

“It’s definitely going to be emotional but I’ve always been for the team and for the girls and I’m just really excited to share one more final moment with them on the pitch.”

Williams was just 17 years old when she made her debut for the Matildas - a friendly against Korea Republic.

Since then she has played at six Women’s Asian Cups, five FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympics.

Domestically she has played for Brighton & Hove Albion, PSG, Arsenal FC, Canberra United, Melbourne City, Chicago Red Stars, Pitea, Western New York Flash, Houston Dash and Seattle Reign.

And while there is no doubt Williams would have loved to have finished on the podium at the Tokyo Olympics or last year’s World Cup - the goalkeeper has never put her career down to on-field achievements.

Her mission was to leave a legacy.

Lydia Williams in the A-League All Stars match. Picture: Getty Images

When Williams first started playing the Matildas were lucky if they had 1000 people in the stands watching. Her final game in Australia will be in front of almost 80,000 people.

Until 2007 players were paid on a per match arrangement. Williams was part of the group that led the charge to have year-long contracts introduced.

Then in 2015, Williams was the face of the Matildas strike and demand for equal pay with the Socceroos.

It was a turning point for Australian women’s football.

Williams didn’t just stop there though - the long-serving member of the players union’s executive committee was heavily involved in recent CBA negotiations, which included a host of new benefits and financial upgrades for the Matildas.

“I think the one thing that I really wanted for this team was for them to fight for what they believe in,” Williams said.

“We’ve seen that throughout the years.

“We’ve been so lucky with the coaches that we have had in place that have supported our journey and supported our fight and understood the bigger picture.

“That’s really led to where we are now and I want that culture and environment to continue and I think it will - the girls have a fire in them.

There will be celebrations for Lydia Williams at the Matildas game against China on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve brought in people to lead the team in a positive way to really make sure that it is about results, and the team and the culture.

“The Matildas is not just one player. It’s not just one staff member. It’s not just one organisation.

“It’s everything. The Matildas are the fans, the family and everyone in between.

“I think we’ve seen that grow throughout this last year.”

There have been many turning points during Williams’ career - the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia a major one.

“The trajectory in the last year of how we’ve grown the game,” Williams said.

“We were reminiscing back here and I think Tony’s first time playing (at Accor) was against the USA, it was like 35,000 people here and we were stoked about that.

“That’s literally two years ago. So it’s crazy to see the drive and support of the women’s game.”

Making the decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. It certainly wasn’t something Williams decided to do overnight.

It had been a gradual process over the past couple of years - as her role changed from first choice keeper to role model to Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah and Jada Whyman.

“The demands on sport today and female football are incredibly huge,” Williams said.

Lydia Williams will be much missed by everyone in the Matildas family. Picture: AFP

“At that time I’d been playing for a good 15 years and my body definitely was finding it a bit hard to back up, and credit to Mack she’s been great and Tegan too.

“Realising that and knowing that you had to change your mindset into what your role was turning into.

“Throughout that process, there was a lot of internal dialogue, but I never felt any disrespect and only support from Tony (Gustavsson) into being around the team.

“For me, it was a long process, but one that I felt supported throughout the last couple of years and really kind of took up a new role in the team.

“That might not be a starting position but just as important as really kind of filling that void of high performance in a different way.”

Gustavsson said the significance of the game, coupled with the fact Olympic selection was on the line, would ensure Monday night was emotional.

“It’s a multitude of emotions about selections but also emotions about honouring the legend of the game,” he said.

“You all know what this team is about. It’s about the players and what they achieved. For me to be a small part of that amazing journey so that’s going to be very emotional - good emotions.”

Lydia Williams has been a mentor for Mackenzie Arnold and Jada Whyman. Picture: Getty Images

Former Matildas mentor Ante Milicic was appointed head coach of China just three weeks ago.

Milicic coached Williams during his stint with the side in the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics.

“When I got the news (she was retiring) we exchanged text messages,” Milicic said.

“Lydia has been a fantastic professional and should be very proud of what she’s achieved and what she’s done for the game. Being a coach for so long when a player comes to the end of their career it can be a tricky time in their life.

“Hopefully she’s not lost to football because she’s got a lot of experience both on and off the field.

“I was proud I got to spend a little bit of time with her along her journey.”

A special celebration of Williams’ career is planned to take place at the match at Accor Stadium on Monday night.

The Matildas-China clash is due to kick off at 7.40pm (AEST).

Originally published as Ahead of her last game on home soil Lydia Williams reflects on her incredible 19-years with the Matildas