With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ fast approaching, we set our sights on our star players who are set to take the field on the world’s biggest stage. This week, we take a look at Melbourne City midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight.
Since the very beginning of her international career, you could tell that Elise Kellond-Knight – also known as ‘KK’ – was destined to make an impact on the international stage.
Born in Southport, the Gold Coast local made her international debut as a 16-year-old. 106 international caps later, she has become one of the most important figures in the Matildas squad.
Influential on the park, Kellond-Knight has been just as impressive off it. A keen photographer and surfer, alongside City teammate and life-long friend Tameka Yallop, the duo enjoy catching waves wherever possible.
Alongside her hobbies outside of football, KK was elevated to the PFA Executive in 2018, joining City and Matildas teammate Lydia Williams, as well as becoming a member of the FFA’s newly-formed Women’s Football Council. She has also studied a bachelor of pharmaceutical science degree at Griffiths University, putting her Masters degree on hold while she concentrates on her football career.
While playing for City this season, Kellond-Knight spent her one day off from the Club each week undertaking an internship in project management at Seven Consulting.
A woman of many talents, the 28-year-old’s versatility on the park has been an invaluable asset to the national team. Whether she’s filling a hole in defence or in the heart of midfield, Kellond-Knight is guaranteed to be one of the most consistent, professional and influential performers afield.
Resilient in defence, one of her greatest strengths is her ability to strike a dead ball. Whether it’s a free-kick from 20 yards or a corner placed perfectly for one of the Matildas most threatening aerial targets, Claire Polkinghorne or Alanna Kennedy, you know that the delivery will be quality when you see KK step over the ball.
If history is anything to go by, the City midfielder thrives under the pressure of the world’s biggest stage and will be looking to repeat her efforts from her previous two World Cup campaigns (2011 and 2015).
As a 20-year-old, KK produced a remarkable individual tournament at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. Playing in every minute of Australia’s campaign, she would go on to earn a spot in the competition’s 21-player All-Star team, before going on to claim the FFA Female Footballer of the Year award.
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup was no different, with Kellond-Knight again rising to the occasion and again earning a place in the 21-player All-Star team of the tournament.
With two World Cup’s under her belt to go alongside two outstanding tournaments, Australia’s national team is in good hands with KK in the heart of midfield. She’s been there twice before, starring on both occasions, now KK could be set to lead Australia’s best ever shot at the title.
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with KK and the Matildas progress throughout the tournament.
