Full-back Alexia Apostolakis said that working alongside the players she grew up watching has been “pretty cool, and pretty special.”
The 19-year-old became CommBank Matilda #242 on Saturday when she was a second-half substitute against Panama in Bunbury.
“It’s been such a whirlwind of emotions,” she said.
“I felt everything, from the nerves to the anticipation. It's been incredible just to take in everything and learn as much as I can from all the players and the staff.
“The environment has been so professional. The intensity at training is amazing, and to work alongside some of my idols that I watched growing up has been pretty cool and pretty special. It’s been everything that I imagined.”
She described the emotions during the moment she was introduced to the game.
“To be here now is incredibly special,” she said.
“Going on - even though we were losing - was something that I'll never forget, and something that I will think about and carry into my next few games.
“To be a part of a team which has such a big legacy and such a big impact on Australian women's football - it's amazing to be part of that.”
She debuted alongside fellow teenager Grace Kuilamu, who entered the pitch with her at the same time.
Apostolakis expressed that sharing the moment with a familiar face made it extra special.
“I was in camp with the u20s [the CommBank Young Matildas] with Grace before we headed over here,” she recalled.
“So we shared the same emotions, and the same roller coaster coming here. We both felt the nerves and the happy moments and everything. We've done everything together, so to walk on the pitch together was a special moment.
“I turned to her and said, we only have four minutes. Let's just make the most of it. Play like we've got nothing to lose. I'm proud of her as well because I think she did great.”
She has also had former Western Sydney Wanderers teammate Clare Hunt to help guide her through camp.
“Clare has been with me from the very start. When I was first introduced at the Wanderers, she was a huge leader,” Apostolakis said.
“I was a shy little girl back then, but she pulled me aside and really helped me through the basics and helped me get into the team. I think she's the exact same person now as she was back then.
“She’s always determined, and she has such a great work ethic. When I'm in camp and around her and on the pitch with her, I feel very comfortable. She’s someone that's really inspiring.”
It takes a village to help a promising young player grow into a CommBank Matilda. Apostolakis credits her parents, particularly her father, as being her biggest support.
“My dad has always been my biggest supporter,” she said.
“My Mum is as well, but Dad's always been the sporty one. He's always pushing me to be the best at whatever I do, particularly when it comes to sport.
“He pushed me and my brother a lot when we were younger. The support that he's given me growing up, taking me to training sessions and things like that, has been amazing.
“When I got on the pitch and came off, the first thing that I saw when I opened my phone was a message from my dad. That was incredibly special. I can't wait to actually sit down with him. It was just a really special moment for me and my family.”
The youngster said she would take every moment in camp as a learning opportunity, and hopes to do better in game two.
“I’ve learned that drawing, and losing, is definitely not the standard here,” she said.
“The biggest learning opportunity is to take every game seriously and like it's a privilege.
“Coming into the next game, a big goal is to score and make an impact.”
Next Game
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
