Sam draws fans as Matildas waltz on
SAM Kerr knew from a young age the pitfalls of professional sport.
The prodigy who would become the biggest name in Australian women’s soccer was once better known as the little sister of former AFL star Daniel Kerr.
And it was the West Coast Eagles star’s off-field troubles that provided her with a test greater than any Brazil or the US could throw at her.
Daniel had well-documented battles with drug and alcohol abuse and spent a brief spell in prison after a string of assault charges, which left his sister with little choice but to show her big brother some “tough love”.
“I didn’t speak to him for two years – that was the tough love I gave him,” Kerr said.
“Towards the end of his career I learned about choices. It’s well documented that my brother didn’t make great choices and he’ll be the first to tell you that.
“I learned a lot about the off field type of stuff. You can’t regain your reputation. He’s done well too, but he’s made some bad choices off the field that affected him.
“Now we’re closer than ever and he’s got three beautiful babies, a great house and a great job.
“I even do some work with him with his Together We Can foundation where he runs a program for Aboriginal kids in rural WA that incorporates music, art and sport.
“So he’s really enjoying life and it’s awesome to see him back on track and everyone’s back together again.”
Sam Kerr has created headlines for the right reasons this year, from leading the Matildas to victory in the Tournament of Nations in the US, to becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the US National Women’s Soccer League and being named on FIFA’s 10-player shortlist for women’s player of the year.
She even gets non-soccer fans excited with her backflip goal celebrations.
The 24-year-old hopes the general sporting public get behind the Matildas as they take on Brazil in two games in NSW starting on Saturday.