by Genevieve Henry (27/10/23).
Above: Amy Sayer gets up to head goalwards against Iran yesterday. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Amy Sayer made her first start for the Matildas in five years in their Olympic Qualifying match against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The 21-year-old impressed, showing her ability to get behind defenders and put herself in promising positions. The tall attacking midfielder brings not only her physical presence, but an awareness of the game that sets her above many players of her age.
In just her seventh cap for her country, Sayer proved why Tony Gustavsson finds her to be such a special player. The attacking midfielder created many opportunities while facing a tough low block. This talent and vision has been honed for years in various high-level leagues.
Sayer started her career at Canberra United after impressing with Sydney University in the New South Wales National Premier League as well as the U-20 national team. After a solid season in the capital, she moved to Sydney FC, where she once again impressed. But, the defining factor in her career was being accepted to Stanford University in the United States.
Stanford has been one of the highest-level colleges for women’s football for years, so it is a testament to Sayer’s attitude, skills, and work ethic that she made this team. She starred for the Cardinals in her first year, starting matches and adding creativity to the attack that saw her be named to the 2020 PAC-12 All-Freshman team.
In her Sophomore season, Sayer began to play as more of a forward than a midfielder, and she adapted fantastically well. She once again was a mainstay for the team, scoring and assisting quite a few goals. The next year, she got less game time but she still managed to score a few goals and help her team to the PAC-12 Conference title.
After her impressive college career, Sayer had a quick stay at San Francisco Glens FC in the USL W-League, where she was a key part of their rise to the top, as they were named the best team in the power rankings.
During these club and college seasons, Sayer was a fringe player with the Matildas. She started playing for the Young Matildas at the age of 14, where she thrived, scoring goals and creating chances aplenty. In 2018, she made her first appearance for the senior national team. Over the years, she would continue to demolish the competition at youth levels and be an option for the senior Matildas.
After her impressive year in the USA, Sayer was named in the provisional Women’s World Cup squad for Australia but narrowly missed the final cut. This heartbreak lit a spark in Sayer, bringing her to new levels.
This past August, Sayer joined Swedish club Kristianstads DFF, where she has produced a series of stunning performances. Since she arrived, the club is undefeated. Sayer came into the starting lineup almost immediately, adding not only goals, but speed, strength, and skill. The club has moved up two places in the table since her arrival, a difficult feat in a competitive league.
This impressive resume for someone so young makes Sayer a great player for Australia, not only for the future but for right now.
She brought something special to the Matildas team that played against Iran. Her tireless running helped to break down the defence countless times, as well as being a valuable part of the build-up play. And, she’ll only get better. If she was that good in only her second start, imagine how could she could be after building relationships and gaining her confidence.
Her vision is of someone almost twice her age, and as her career continues it could become on par with some of the greats. Playing with such tacticians as Sam Kerr and Emily Van Egmond will only help her grow into her role as a leader on the pitch.
Although it will be an uphill battle to cement a permanent spot in the Matildas squad, Sayer has shown time and time again that she has the ethic and talent of someone deserving of these opportunities.
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