Prior to the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup, it was not unusual for big Matildas games to have half-empty stadiums. But after that transformative competition, even friendly matches were selling out crowds of 80,000 people.

It was right after this momentous shift that Kaitlyn Torpey made her Matildas' debut in 2024. Expectations from the past defied reality and she was quickly thrust onto a global platform. But, Torpey acknowledges that her experience is very different from the pathway that others took.

"I came in at a lucky stage when we had massive home crowds and things going on in football, whereas some people had to start from ground up to get there," she says. "I feel very lucky to be a part of it now and I won't take it for granted."

Recently signed to the WSL 2 in the UK, Torpey has made Newcastle United her new club team home. Before this, she had a lengthy stint at the NWSL San Diego Wave before joining Matildas team mate Mackenzie Arnold at the Portland Thorns. When she's not jetsetting, she says her favourite part of coming home is the Australian culture.

"I think there's something in the Aussie spirit that we all have a pretty similar mentality," she says.

Now, back on Australian soil, Torpey is competing with the Matildas for the AFC Women's Asian Cup where they're hoping to bring home a trophy. We chatted with the star player ahead of her games for the Asian Cup and discussed everything from her favourite movie (it's 10 Things I Hate About You) to who controls the locker room playlist before a big game.

What’s something most people don't know about you?

Outside of football, I enjoy photography and videography. I’ve learned a lot about videography and want to get more in the photography side. I was even talking to Wini (Heatley) today about buying a film camera.

What is your star sign?

Pisces, but I don't really know much about star signs so not sure what that means.

Favourite movie, book, and who is your favourite band?

My favourite movie… it's actually so tough, but I would probably say 10 Things I Hate About You or Friends With Benefits, they're so good. I love a drama rom-com.

My favourite book right now...I actually don't read a lot of books, but right now I'm reading this book called Icky Guy, and it's about the Japanese way of like a happy life, and it is just so wholesome. That one's probably my favourite, or maybe the only one that I'll actually finish.

My favourite band at the moment is Royel Otis. I'm obsessed.

What has the transition to Newcastle been like? Have you settled in yet?

It’s been great, I got a new apartment and a new car and I managed to do it pretty quickly, which was good and that helped me settle. I still have a few things for my apartment that I need to get but overall I’ve settled pretty quickly off the field.

On the field, it also been fairly quick. It’s a new league for me and I've never been a part of a promotion/relegation league, so it adds a bit more pressure, which I actually am really enjoying. so far. Everyone’s been so nice, so it's been quite easy to come in and do my thing.

You played football all over the world. What's your favourite part about getting to come home?

Off the field, it would definitely be seeing family and friends you haven't seen for months. On the field, it would be playing with girls that are quite like-minded, I think there's something in the Aussie spirit that we all have a pretty similar mentality.

A bit of everything, really. It's just nice to be back in the culture again.

What's the coolest place you've ever travelled for a game?

That’s a tough one. There's been so many good places. Probably Italy, I was there for an under 23s tournament, but we got to spend 2 weeks there and it was really cool place.

The pre-camp for the Olympics in Marbella was also sick. We had a cool hotel with a pool and beach right there.

What's it like when the Matildas finally get the chance to come back together for a game?

It’s really nice, like a reunion when you haven't seen for friends for a while.

It’s also nice to have a break from club land. Even if the club is amazing, it’s nice to have a fresh start. You can be a different player for your country than you are in your club, so I like it because it’s a re-set and for however long we’re in camp, you can come in with any level of confidence.

How have you learnt to mentally reset after a tough moment?

I'm still learning, both through experience and from different people.

For me, I also think it’s about having a goldfish mentality. If something goes wrong in a game, you need to forget it pretty quickly, because it’s football and unlucky things happen, so it’s about swiftly resetting and moving on.

You made your Tilly's debut in 2024, right after the 2023 World Cup. What did it mean to join the team at such a transformative moment for women's football?

I feel very lucky to be a part of the squad and come in at a time where it was all happening for the Tillies. I knew a lot of the girls, which was nice, but watching them in the World Cup, they made such a difference to Australian football, and it was so inspiring.

It was so cool to see what they've done. Macca is a perfect example, I started with her when I was 16 at Brisbane Roar, and then she became the brick wall of Australia.

I came in at a lucky stage when we had massive home crowds and things going on in football, whereas some people, had to start from ground up to get there. I feel very lucky to be a part of it now and I won't take it for granted, but the World Cup also shot something through me that made me want to be here more than anything.

What still needs to change to ensure long term growth in women's football?

In the A leagues, it's the money side and the investment. A lot of girls want to go back into the league, but it's just not doable with the money side of things. In Australian football, we are behind and that's why all of us are overseas, which is sad to think about, but that's where we start in Australia, putting some investment into the A Leagues.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a professional athlete or even aspiring to be a Matilda one day?

I know it sounds cliché, but do the one percenters, it really does make a difference. You also need to enjoy it. I’m such a big believer in if I’m not happy in all aspects of life, I’m going to change it. I’m so lucky enough to have enjoyed it this whole time, I enjoy the grind and think that’s where my game stands out, I’m always staying longer to do film or I’ll be doing extras. You see us not wanting to leave the field, because everyone wants to do extras and that’s why we’re here.

Who in the team has the best taste in music?

Steph was on music one time, and she was playing bangers, like sing-along bangers which were a hit so I’m going to say her.

Who controls the locker room playlist?

Ellie, and she's honestly really good. Sometimes she plays French music I never heard from when she was at Lyon, and everyone's vibing to it. She does really good pump up pop music.

Who's the biggest prankster?

I would say someone like Caitlin Foord. As an example, we were playing around the world (table tennis) where you're supposed to drop the bat as quickly as possible, and she would, spin the bat so I couldn't get it. Just little things like that make her a prankster.

Who has the best sense of humour?

Everyone's funny in this team. Sam makes me laugh a lot, but I'm also really good friends with Macca and she’s funny.

Who would make the best coach one day?

Michelle Heyman gives me vibes that she will soon be a coach and be really good at it.

Who always overpacks?

I'm going to say Wini for this one. Always.

Who takes the longest to get ready?

Probably me.

Who's the most competitive off the pitch?

I would say Holly. I feel like a lot of people haven't seen it yet, but she's a little devil. Haha.

Imagery: Instagram