Tully’s A-League legend Carroll finishes ‘on my terms’

ONE of the Far North’s greatest football exports is hanging up her boots.

Tully product Kim Carroll has announced this A-League season will be her last, with the 35-year-old Perth Glory player signing off after a career in which she was one of Australia’s most skilled and resolute defenders.

Carroll recently brought up 150 games in Australia’s premier football competition, and enjoyed a stellar international career, playing 54 games for the Matildas and being a part of the squad that claimed the Women’s Asia Cup in 2010.

“In the last couple of seasons, it’s been in the back of my mind,” Carroll said.

“I’d love to play forever, but that’s not reality.

“The plan was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but that hasn’t been the case as I’m still enjoying it and I’m keeping up and I’m competitive.

“But it just feels like the right time. I wanted to finish on my terms, not play on until I’m not enjoying it and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.

“I’ve got a partner now and I’m looking to enjoy life outside football.

“Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense, and the fans have been great over the years.

“I’d like to thank my partner and my family, along with the fantastic players that I’ve played with throughout my career. There’s also my boss at work, who has been really understanding, and there have been a lot of coaches and support staff along the way and people at clubs that I’ve kept in touch with.

“Once the season finishes, it’ll be nice to have a relaxing holiday and then I’ll focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”

Carroll is on the most influential women in Far North sport, having charted her path from Tully to the international stage. She started her professional career with Brisbane Roar, becoming the cornerstone of the club’s awesome defence as it claimed a premiership and two championships.

In 2015-16, Carroll moved to Perth, where she has stayed apart from the 20-21 campaign, which she spent with the Roar.

Fittingly, Carroll will finish her career against the team with which she made her debut, Brisbane Roar, on Saturday, April 1.