My Westfield Matildas Story: Ellie Carpenter - 'We want to make Australia proud'

When a 15-year-old Ellie Carpenter walked into the Westfield Matildas change room for the first time, she knew it was the beginning of a life-changing adventure.

In a series of exclusive interviews for www.matildas.com.au, we will be catching up with Ante Milicic's 23-player squad in the build-up to the World Cup. 

Today it is the turn of Ellie Carpenter, now 19, who recalls watching in awe as her teammates competed at the 2015 FIFA World Cup, and cannot wait to realise a childhood dream in France this June.

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“I remember the early days when I was a young kid, I always dreamed of being a Matilda and to play at a World Cup,” said Carpenter, who was this week named as the NAB Young Footballer of the Year for the second successive season.

“The dream came true when I was 15 when I debuted for the Matildas. The journey has been a crazy three or four years and it’s been amazing to be a part of this.

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“I think the biggest challenge was coming into this team, being only 15, and maturing and getting the experience that I need.

“The feeling of watching the girls at the 2015 World Cup made me even more driven to get to a World Cup. To put on that green and gold and play at the highest stage would mean everything to me.

"I would like everyone to believe in us, to believe we can win the World Cup. We want to make Australia proud and give the fans back what they give to us."

Watch the full video at the top of this page.

Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia