Star striker Kyah Simon says she is enjoying her football more than ever as she chases a recall to the Matildas squad in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The injury-plagued Melbourne City forward will line up for her third W-League appearance of the season against Sydney FC on Sunday after making a successful comeback over the past fortnight.
Her return included the only goal in City's win over Adelaide United last weekend as Rado Vidosic's side maintained their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
A succession of ankle and hamstring injuries meant Simon was left out of the Australian squad for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, where the Matildas were knocked out by Norway in the Round of 16.
But with three months until Olympic qualifiers begin, the 28-year-old veteran of 87 international caps is confident she is finally ready again to put her best foot forward.
"I'm feeling like I'm getting back to my old ways and finding my feet in training, gaining that confidence and starting to feel like my old self physically," Simon said.
"First and foremost, just being able to play without any pain or injury weighing over my head has brought a smile back to my face when I'm playing.
"I'm enjoying my football the most I ever have in these last two weeks because it's been a long time between wickets for me.
"I'm just really stoked to be back out there injury-free and doing what I love, and that's playing football."
Simon remains in regular contact with Matildas coach Ante Milicic and his right-hand man Ivan Jolic as she attempts to navigate her way back into the national squad.
"They understand my situation and the tough couple of years that I've been going through," Simon said.
"Everyone from club to national team to myself, we all want the same thing.
"That's to be injury-free, healthy and back to playing my best football."
City will be chasing a third straight win when they take on Sydney FC at Cromer Park, but know they face a tough challenge against the reigning champions.
The Sky Blues have a perfect record after three rounds and sit top of the ladder, clear of crosstown rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on goal difference.
Australian Associated Press
