Crummer hoping fresh start leads to World Cup dream

Newcastle Jets' W-League signing Larissa Crummer is confident a new club and new position could be the perfect formula to help her secure a spot in the Matildas squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

The 22-year-old will play a major role for the Jets this campaign, after making the move north from Melbourne City where she had played the past three seasons.

Renowned for her goalscoring ability, Crummer will incredibly make the switch to central defence this season.

It was a change which came out of the blue for the 2015-16 W-League season golden boot award winner. 

"It was during a training game, while I was with the Matildas, and Staj (Socceroos coach Alen Stajcic) asked me to fill in as a defender for a few plays," Crummer said.

"He said he was so impressed from what he saw from me that he wanted to move me into defence permanently.

"I had filled in at left and right back for brief stints before, but I have always been an attacking player. It's been a big switch but I feel like I've fitted into the backline well.
Crummer believes the switch could reinvigorate her career after a serious knee injury on the eve of the 2016 Rio Olympics proved to be a major roadblock to her rapid rise up the women's football ranks.

Despite Crummer's young age, she has become an experienced campaigner in the W-League with Newcastle her fourth club she has played for in the competition.

The youngest member of the Matildas' World Cup squad during the 2015 tournament in Canada, Crummer is confident she has what it takes to become a fixture at the heart of Australia's defence.

"Obviously it is very different from everything I have done as a striker. Staj has already given me opportunities to play in defence for the Matildas, during the Tournament of Nations, and I felt I was able to hold my own against some very talented oppostion," she said.

"I'm able to use some of my skills as an attacking player to identify runs off the ball and a few other things.

"There is still a lot to learn and a long way for me to go but if I keep working hard I'll be able to bring a something extra to the national team." 

However, first on the agenda is helping the Jets break through for their maiden W-League title, starting with their opening clash of the season against Melbourne Victory on Thursday night - after a first round bye.

"I'm really excited about this Newcastle squad and I think they will be a tough team to beat this season," Crummer said.

"Newcastle are a great club and I'm really looking forward to having a great season with them.

"They have some amazing players in all areas and I don't see why they can't win the league." 


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3 min read
Published 30 October 2018 3:23pm
By Nick Houghton

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