AFC Women's Asian Cup
The 2010 triumph remains the only time that Australia have lifted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy and a career highlight for Yallop, who made her international debut in 2007 as the 148th Matilda and has since amassed 134 caps and 14 goals.
A wide smile spreads across Yallop’s face as she recalls a recent gathering between some members from that winning side, who recounted their experiences for a documentary that was released by Football Australia last May.
A wide smile spreads across Yallop’s face as she recalls a recent gathering between some members from that winning side, who recounted their experiences for a documentary that was released by Football Australia last May.
“It was kind of unbelievable for me and it's definitely a tournament that I still remember, and I still have the medal and my jersey from that tournament,” she told the-AFC.com in a recent interview which, unfortunately, was followed by Yallop suffering a hamstring injury which has jeopardised her chances of making the squad for the continental showpiece on home soil.
Having featured twice as a substitute at her maiden Asian Cup in 2008, Yallop started two games in 2010 as Tom Sermanni led the team to glory in China PR, dethroning three-time winners DPR Korea in the final after winning on penalties. Of that squad, only four others are still active: Sam Kerr, Kyah Simon, Aivi Luik and captain Melissa Barbieri, who retired from international duty in 2015.
Australia then finished as runners-up in both 2014 and 2018, while exiting at the last eight stage at the most recent campaign in 2022.
Having featured twice as a substitute at her maiden Asian Cup in 2008, Yallop started two games in 2010 as Tom Sermanni led the team to glory in China PR, dethroning three-time winners DPR Korea in the final after winning on penalties. Of that squad, only four others are still active: Sam Kerr, Kyah Simon, Aivi Luik and captain Melissa Barbieri, who retired from international duty in 2015.
Australia then finished as runners-up in both 2014 and 2018, while exiting at the last eight stage at the most recent campaign in 2022.
And Yallop, who played at each of those three tournaments, believes that the return of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ to Australia - their second time as hosts after 2006 - presents the perfect opportunity to taste success again.
“It is crazy how much time has passed, and I think we're at a point where we need to lift that trophy again,” Yallop said. “I believe we've got the players to do it... but it takes more than just having the skill to do it; you've got to have a whole team on one collective journey and that's what we're sort of striving to come together and do.”
The midfielder acknowledged that it would not be an easy task, pointing to the “tenfold” growth of women’s football, both on and off the pitch, since 2010—a phenomenon that she is both heartened by and is determined to help sustain.
“It is crazy how much time has passed, and I think we're at a point where we need to lift that trophy again,” Yallop said. “I believe we've got the players to do it... but it takes more than just having the skill to do it; you've got to have a whole team on one collective journey and that's what we're sort of striving to come together and do.”
The midfielder acknowledged that it would not be an easy task, pointing to the “tenfold” growth of women’s football, both on and off the pitch, since 2010—a phenomenon that she is both heartened by and is determined to help sustain.
“We've got more teams competing and more media (awareness) around it,” Yallop said. “There might have been (only) a couple of top teams back then, but now you've got to really focus on every team that you play. It's definitely grown in competitiveness as well as the popularity in each country and with the fan support.”
Contrasting it with the lack of fanfare in 2010, Yallop added: “Maybe one reporter came to the airport, and that's it. So, I think times have really changed since then, (and it’s) all for the positive for women’s football.
“It still feels like it's the start of football for women, and… I think it can still just go to that next level. We want to just keep seeing that growth in the game and we are all here to support that.”
Contrasting it with the lack of fanfare in 2010, Yallop added: “Maybe one reporter came to the airport, and that's it. So, I think times have really changed since then, (and it’s) all for the positive for women’s football.
“It still feels like it's the start of football for women, and… I think it can still just go to that next level. We want to just keep seeing that growth in the game and we are all here to support that.”
The sense of optimism is fuelled by the Matildas’ groundbreaking run on home soil at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, reaching the semi-finals for the first time amid record crowds and viewing figures.
“It was massive,” Yallop said. “I never really actually believed that Australia would host a World Cup while I was still playing, so… to be able to back it up with another major tournament here is, again, something that I didn't think would happen… (and) just gives us the opportunity to build the game even more, and to show the next generation what football can do for you on and off the field.”
“It was massive,” Yallop said. “I never really actually believed that Australia would host a World Cup while I was still playing, so… to be able to back it up with another major tournament here is, again, something that I didn't think would happen… (and) just gives us the opportunity to build the game even more, and to show the next generation what football can do for you on and off the field.”
Plenty has changed since Yallop picked up the sport at five, joining the same club as one of her three elder brothers after tagging along to his training sessions. After making her professional debut in 2008 with Brisbane Roar, she spent time in the top leagues of the United States, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Norway and England.
Currently in a third stint at Roar, the midfielder sits second in both the A-League Women’s all-time appearance and scoring charts. She is the eighth most-capped Matilda and has appeared at four World Cups and three Olympic Games. Marriage and motherhood have followed, but Yallop’s determination to don the green-and-gold has never wavered.
Currently in a third stint at Roar, the midfielder sits second in both the A-League Women’s all-time appearance and scoring charts. She is the eighth most-capped Matilda and has appeared at four World Cups and three Olympic Games. Marriage and motherhood have followed, but Yallop’s determination to don the green-and-gold has never wavered.
“When you're a young player, you're quite heavily focused on yourself and your own dreams and desires,” she reflected. “I'm at a point now in my career where I do have a child and I want to give them somebody to look up to as well, so it's no longer about me becoming somebody; it's me being somebody for someone else.”
The serious hamstring injury suffered in December - which required surgery - means Yallop’s hopes of appearing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on home soil are in jeopardy but irrespective of whether she does make the squad, the midfielder will be rooting for the Matildas to lift the trophy for a second time.
The serious hamstring injury suffered in December - which required surgery - means Yallop’s hopes of appearing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on home soil are in jeopardy but irrespective of whether she does make the squad, the midfielder will be rooting for the Matildas to lift the trophy for a second time.
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