Simon's long journey to full recovery almost complete

Melbourne City attacker Kyah Simon is making up for lost time in the Westfield W-League after returning from Achilles and ankle injuries which ruled her out for more than six months. 

Simon, originally from Sydney, has a history of Achilles tendonitis which first reared its head during the Olympic Games 2016 and flared up in this season’s National Women’s Soccer League. 

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But after a litany of injuries, the 27-year-old appears to be returning to full fitness. 

“I think I’m still a month off from feeling fully normal, but it’s definitely a lot better than where it was at a few months ago which I’m stoked about ... really happy it is going the way it has been,” Simon told w-league.com.au.

“I couldn’t be happier to see it finally getting better rather than going the other way.”

Bouncing back time and time again

It has been a long road for Simon.

In 2013, after coming on as a second-half substitute for the Westfield Matildas against United States, she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament which ruled her out for over a year. 

Then, in 2017, the midfielder underwent a shoulder reconstruction for both shoulders following years of partial and full dislocations. 

Simon has been frank about her injuries, offering valuable insight into the journey back to full fitness.

“I think to say that you never fall into a dark place, when you’re injured or going through some stuff, is almost unrealistic,” she added.

“There definitely have been some dark, dark moments this year when I thought I’d never be back to normal, or that this Achilles pain would stay with me for a long time. 

“I’m used to having a major injury and having to have a surgery.

"That sounds bad within itself, but this one was just as bad because you could play but never play at your full potential. 

“There was always that pain threshold that was holding me back from running as fast as I’d want or changing direction or jumping or just simply playing without pain. 

“And that was at the back of my mind since June this year which has been really difficult.”

Looking ahead to Round 6

Simon and her Melbourne City teammates will be looking to bounce back following their 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in Round 5. 

City took the lead courtesy of Simon’s penalty, before a last-gasp goal to Georgia Campagnale restored parity for the visitors. 

Rado Vidosic’s team travel to Newcastle Jets in a clash both teams will seek to win in their pursuit of finals football. 

“For me, after the [Adelaide] game, I wished I could play another 90 minutes and rectify the result so we could turn a new leaf and not dwell on that game too much,” said Simon. 

“This week’s training has been a lot better in terms of as a core group being determined to turn the tables. 

“We’re all motivated to turn our season around - the season is only 12 games long so there’s really no time to lose.

"We’re definitely keeping a positive mindset and have the hunger and desire to get better results.”