Kerr’s growth

IF you thought 2017 was big for Sam Kerr, 2018 could be epic.

That was the prediction of a Chinese fortune teller as the world megastar was preparing to lead the Matildas into battle against their Asian rivals tonight at AAMI Park.

Considering Kerr won the MVP and golden boot awards in the US League (NWSL) regarded as the world’s best, coupled with the W-League player of the year gong, one is curious to know what lay ahead.

The Matildas – armed with a distinct Gold Coast flavour – could be the biggest beneficiary, with April’s Asian Cup edging closer.

Kerr, 24, said she was only looking forward.

“Me, Steph (Catley) and Mini (Katrina Gorry) went to a Chinese fortune reader (on Monday). I’m the year of the rooster (born in 1993) and she said that this year was meant to be my best year yet, which was weird,’’ Kerr said.

“She predicted big things for the rooster in 2018 too. She gave me the book of the rooster and I’ve looked into it.

“I haven’t had a chance yet to sit down and think about the last year, I’ll do that when these games are over and the W-League ends. It seems like football for me is never ending.’’

Kerr, who splits her club time with Perth Glory and New Jersey-based Sky Blue FC, has become the face of the Matildas much like Harry Kewell was the Socceroos’ pinup boy in the 2000s.

She conceded it had become a whirlwind at times, but paid tribute to her Matildas teammates.

“I’d be lying if I said sometimes it’s not stressful. But I have a good support staff around me, whether it’s my family, the people in football, my teammates,’’ she said.

“Anyone that knows me knows that I’m not someone to take myself too seriously or my football too seriously. I love to have fun.”