By Tara Murray
It’s been a whirlwind six months for Western United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln which has been capped off with a Matildas debut.
The youngest had set her focus on the under-20 World Cup earlier this year, but hadn’t thought much beyond that.
While in the midst of that preparation she made the move to Western United.
She then received her first Matildas call up and then received a second not long after.
In the fourth of four games in Australia in November and December, Lincoln got her chance to make her senior debut for her country.
“I don’t think it has yet [settled in],” she said a week later. “It was pretty surreal and such a quick turnaround as I had a club game the next day as well.
“It was sort of a whirlwind but I’m still over the moon to be honest.”
Lincoln said she had been given the heads up that if things went to plan in the Matildas game with Chinese Taipei that she might get her opportunity.
She said she couldn’t stop smiling when she finally got out there.
“I was trying to focus and go through the motions and warm up,” she said. “I was trying not to smile, but I was so excited I was getting an opportunity.
“My goalkeeper coach mentioned if all goes to plan, it might happen, see how it goes a couple of hours before the game.
“Half time he was like be ready, 60th minute. It all sort of happened, a bit of a blur to be honest.”
Lincoln didn’t have time to celebrate her debut as she started for Western United the next day in its match with Sydney FC, something that hadn’t been done in Australian professional levels for 27 years.
“I love playing for Western with those girls, the debut and go beat Sydney is pretty special to be honest.”
Lincoln said the last six months had been a bit of a whirlwind but it had been really special at the same time.
First, she moved to Sydney to prepare for the under-20s World Cup.
“It was an incredible tournament to be part of,” she said. “Very, very cool.
“I went to the last one in Costa Rica, but didn’t get to go on the pitch. To be out there playing and with the Columbian crowd was just incredible.”
Lincoln said she hadn’t thought much beyond that, let alone a Matildas’ debut.
She said it had been a dream of hers since she could kick a ball.
“Definitely didn’t think it was this close on the horizon,” she said. “My year sort of stopped at the under-20 World Cup and I didn’t really think about what was next.
“To have an opportunity to go and do that is pretty special and I hope that I can keep coming into that space and keep pushing to get more game time.
“I would love the opportunity to do that again.”
As well as her big international schedule, Lincoln decided to make the move down to Melbourne to play for Western United.
She said starting having chats with the club not long after the last season finished.
“It seemed like a really positive move,” she said. “To dive into a more professional set up and the facilities that are available.
“The club having its own home and the coaching staff were incredible. It just seemed like a positive environment and keep growing and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Lincoln started the season as Western’s second keeper, but has quickly moved into the starting spot.
She said she’s very excited to be starting and said that she won’t be taking it for granted as there’s pressure on for spots.
On Saturday, Western lost to Western Sydney Wanderers 5-1 in a disappointing performance.
Lincoln said before the game that they weren’t taking any opposition lightly.
After a big 2024, Lincoln has already looked at areas that she can improve on in the future.
“It’s helped me form my goals, to keep coming into the matildas set up and keep pushing myself at Western and keep playing more and more games there.”
