Picture this. The FIFA Women's World Cup final was 2023's most-watched women's sports event on TV. Female athletes have dominated the Olympics and Paralympics - and are competing in record numbers. Dedicated women's sports bars are popping up around the world.
And now? The Australian Professional Leagues has announced a multi-year deal with SharkNinja, with the aim to elevate the women's game to the next level.
Safe to say, it's an exciting time for women's sport, both here in Australia, and globally. The question at the forefront of everyone's minds is how we can keep the momentum going - and who better to ask than the Matildas?
Matildas and Sydney FC midfielder Maddie Caspers thinks the media can play a key role, noting that she's already seen great progress after the World Cup. "I can remember going to some of the games before that World Cup," she says. "There would be like 2,000 people, and now we have sold out stadiums. So I really think the media and all those things will really help build that game."
Lydia Williams agrees that it's the exposure that matters. "We have a new partner in SharkNinja, which is promising more free to air games up from one per season to 10. But this also comes with responsibility of the players, understanding that this is an opportunity to grow the game," Lydia tells Missing Perspectives.
"So it's about, you know, promoting that professionalism in each club and, performances of players and really kind of getting out there and making football the number one sport that people want to watch and participate in. We have to perform. We have to show professionalism."
Tameka Yallop agrees that we need to build and continue the growth off the back of the Women's World Cup. "With SharkNinja coming on board, it’s not just support from them, but also a shared vision of building and continuing the growth that we've seen over the last year. Today's a step in that direction. I'm, a veteran, but I've definitely seen a lot of growth over the last 10 years and I've been lucky enough for the game to grow with me."
All three players are looking forward to seeing where the success of women's sports can go - and how it can inspire the next generation of footballers. "I definitely think it's going to keep growing and inspiring the younger generation," says Maddie.
Lydia wants to see "way more Matildas being produced at home."
"And, you know, that kind of cycle of, having world class players, world class leagues, people that want to invest in the sport and, really make it their number one, go to that," she says. "They want to put their kids in and see role models... And, ideally that's what you want. It's a slow burn, but it's definitely something I think is achievable with this sport."
Tameka agrees. "To sit back and actually watch it happen. I think, from my position, I will be working hard to sort of maintain this legacy that we've built from the World Cup. But I'm excited to see what, the next generation can do with that legacy and with that platform and where they can take it."