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6 months ago
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EXCLUSIVE
Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine has ominously declared she is ready to add to her extensive silverware collection ahead of Saturday's A-League Women's (ALW) Grand Final against Melbourne City.
Vine, 26, looms as a key figure for the Sky Blues, who will have revenge on their minds after losing the Premier's Plate recently in dramatic fashion.
A couple of costly stumbles from Ante Juric's squad ahead of the semi-finals saw Melbourne City crowned league champions - but Vine remains confident her team can play the role of party poopers at AAMI Park and hoist the trophy.
'It [losing the league] definitely acts as motivation,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine has declared she is ready to add to her silverware collection ahead of Saturday's A-League Women's Grand Final against Melbourne City
Vine is hoping to win Saturday's Grand Final with Sky Blues teammate and girlfriend Charlotte McLean (left)
'It is our fourth consecutive Grand Final, and generally we have good games against them. 'We are all looking forward to it.'
Vine has been a consistent performer domestically this season, but admits her life isn't the same following her penalty shoot-out heroics for the Matildas against France at the World Cup last year.
The competition marquee is now recognised most places she goes - and finds the attention 'flattering.'
'Life has definitely changed, I feel people staring sometimes...there are a lot of eyes on me,' she said.
'It is the little things...I used to walk up to my local coffee shop in my PJ's and place an order. I don't do that anymore.
'The same goes at the supermarket....people sometimes do a double take to see if its me, and then often ask for a photo.
'I'm becoming used to the attention, it is new, but flattering.'
Cortnee Vine became a national hero after her penalty shootout heroics in the World Cup quarter-final clash with France last August
Vine also confirmed why she didn't feature in Australia's Olympic qualifiers in February.
'At the time I felt I needed a life reset,' she said.
'I will be available for Paris, but if Tony [Gustavsson] goes in a different direction, I will have no problems with that.
'I had to put myself first.'
The Victorian born star made her W-League debut with Brisbane Roar as a teenager - but it was her next move to Newcastle where she first felt a sense of belonging as a professional athlete.
'I loved it, really it was one of the best times of my life,' Vine said when reflecting on her stint at the Jets between 2017 and 2019.
'I have been fortunate to enjoy a fair bit of success in recent years with Sydney, but I will always be grateful for the opportunities Newcastle provided.'
Eventually, European football awaits for Vine - the question is when.
Cortnee Vine was recently announced as a brand ambassador for luggage brand Strand
She also caught the eye for the Matildas in their friendly win over Mexico on April 9
'I get asked this all the time....the truth is, I will go when I am ready,' she said.
'I love my life here in Australia, I am in no rush....I am still getting my head around seeing myself on billboards and the back of buses.
'I would like to see the league [in Australia] more professional, but I understand it won't happen overnight.
'At this point in time I don't want to move my whole life overseas...[but] when the right opportunity presents itself, I'll explore it.'
Kick-off at AAMI Park for the ALW Grand Final is 4.15pm.
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