With three clearances, an 82% passing accuracy, and a game-winning goal in the last seconds, Chids undoubtedly kept herself occupied during our crucial victory over Sydney FC. Life for her is pretty much the same off the pitch.

It hasn’t stopped since her return to Melbourne. “I moved here, bought a house, and it’s been difficult, especially during the playoffs,” the speaker said.

“But returning home and getting back into the swing of things, seeing all the girls, and playing football again has been really nice,” she said.

With a long-term stay in Melbourne ahead of her, Chids is excited to make the most of it, particularly with her off-season plans.

“It’s going to be the first time I have a proper off-season, so I want to make sure I’m really proactive in terms of getting a job and making sure I have things outside of football,” she said.

Passionate about support work, she’s looking forward to commencing working with the support service What Ability. ‘I’ve done a couple shadow sessions with them. Essentially it’s just about taking people out, getting them into the community, and being there to support them throughout that.’

It’s been a long time coming. Spending the last few years following her football passions across the globe, Chids describes her passion for support work as ’something that’s been in the back of my mind.’

“I wanted to make sure I was able to fully commit, and not just see people for two weeks and then jet off overseas again,” Alex explained.