Ash Sykes is certain she isn't the only former Matilda who reconsidered their decision to retire ever so slightly in recent days.
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The Dubbo product and former national striker has joined the throngs of football fans in Australia and New Zealand celebrating after the two countries were announced as hosts for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup last week.
Sykes' announcement in early 2018, when she was just 26, shocked many as she had proven herself one of the best players in the country during a trophy-laden spell with Canberra United in the W-League.
And while refreshed and happy now, working at a law firm in the nation's capital and playing social club football with her twin sister and former United captain Nic, Sykes admitted it was only natural to think about what could have been when the hosting rights were awarded.
"I think so many ex-Matildas would have been thinking that same thing. Maybe there's still a chance," she laughed.
"You have that thought and it would be so exciting but when you really think about it and the amount of hard work needed it's not as appealing."
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Instead, Sykes can't wait to take in the 2023 World Cup as a fan.
She played for Australia at the 2015 World Cup in Canada, featuring in matches against both the United States and Japan, and that experience of playing the best in the world in front of packed stadiums is something she'll always treasure.
But she also knows how special the World Cup was for her parents, who made the trip to support their daughter and the national side.
"The experience I had in 2015 was amazing and to think about running out and having people cheer for you rather than someone else, it brings a tear to the eye it's so exciting," Sykes said.
"I can't wait to be involved somehow or watching in the stands.
"It's nice to say this now as a fan of the game. My parents were there in 2015 and had a blast so in 2023 to get involved in that side of it will be awesome."
Australia will be in a good place to compete for the World Cup.
- Ash Sykes
The awarding of the hosting rights has been celebrated at great length on both sides of the Tasman since it was announced in the early hours of Friday morning.
Sykes was one of the many who had set the alarm and got up to watch and while there's plenty of excitement in the lead-up there was also some nerves.
But there was no need to worry as the combined bid won out over that of Colombia, claiming 22 of the 35 possible votes.
The 2023 version will be the first the first time the women's event will be a 32-nation affair - up from the current 24.
The competition is in the calendar for July to August 2023.
"It just hit me ... when I saw the players and their reactions and how special that was," Sykes said of the magnitude of the achievement.
With the destination certain thought was immediately given the the hosts' chance of the biggest prize in the game.
And Sykes has no doubt the Matildas - led by superstar Sam Kerr - can't be there at the end holding the trophy aloft.
"Anything can happen in three years but the Matildas have been crawling up the FIFA rankings with good results and there's a young group so in three years they can be towards their peak and have the best shot of winning it," she said.
"When 2023 rolls around Australia will be in a good place to compete for the World Cup."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
