A Triumph Against the Odds: From Concussion to International Debut

Six years ago, Natasha Prior’s soccer career seemed over. A serious concussion during the 2018-19 Ninja A-League season with Canberra United forced the then-21-year-old into early retirement. Fast forward to 2024, and the now 26-year-old is living out her dreams as a Matildas player, debuting for her country and scoring her first international goal—all within five days.

The Setback That Changed Everything

In December 2018, during a match against Sydney FC, Prior suffered her sixth career concussion. The injury sidelined her indefinitely, prompting her to step away from the game and focus on a new career path. “I retired around the age of 21 after a pretty hard concussion,” Prior recalled. “I went into full-time work at Deloitte in Canberra and later transitioned to their Sydney office.”

While she dabbled in soccer at various clubs, including Sydney FC, her timeline remained fragmented due to ongoing setbacks. Eventually, she took another break, uncertain about her future in the sport.

A Slow but Determined Comeback

Despite her challenges, Prior slowly returned to competitive soccer. She completed a full season with the Newcastle Jets in 2023-24, where she made 24 appearances in the Ninja A-League. Her impressive performances caught the attention of Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni, who extended her first senior national team call-up.

Sermanni handed Prior her debut against Brazil as a substitute and then a starting role against Chinese Taipei. She quickly made her mark, scoring Australia’s opening goal in a 3-1 victory at AAMI Park. Reflecting on her journey, Prior said, “It’s been a long journey, but it’s also happened quite quickly.”

A New Star in the Matildas Squad

Sermanni was full of praise for Prior’s composure and skill, comparing her impact to that of Clare Hunt, who became a vital part of the squad after her own debut in 2023. “She plays with composure, authority, and good defensive strengths. She’s mobile and very good on the ball,” he noted. “Before the game, I told the players I wanted to see newcomers look like they belong, and Natasha has done just that.”

A Night to Remember—With a Shadow

The victory over Chinese Taipei saw other Ninja A-League players, Sharn Freier and Bryleeh Henry, scoring their first international goals alongside Prior. However, the night was marred by a head injury to Matildas veteran Chloe Logarzo, a stark reminder of the physical toll of the sport.