94-457: Samantha May Kerr OAM (born 10 September 1993) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Women's Super League club Chelsea , and the Australia women's national team , which she has captained since 2019. Known for her speed, skill, and tenacity, Kerr is widely considered one of the best strikers in the world, and one of Australia's greatest athletes. Kerr
188-659: A brace in the first half of a match against Adelaide United on 14 January 2011 lifting Perth to a 2–1 victory. In 2013, Kerr signed with the Western New York Flash. She made 19 starts in her 21 appearances for the club and scored six goals. After defeating Sky Blue FC 2–0 in the semi-finals, the Flash lost 2–0 to Portland in the final. Kerr returned to the Flash for the 2014 season . Head coach Aaran Lines said of Kerr, "With her attributes – her speed, athleticism and instincts – if she continues to develop at
282-507: A hat-trick in Australia's 4–2 victory over Japan , and also scored a goal against Brazil , leading Australia to win the tournament. Prior to this tournament, Kerr had scored eight goals in her first 49 games for the national team. Her hat-trick against Japan was the beginning of a run of 11 goals in six games. Kerr was named 2017 AFC Women's Footballer of the Year . In February 2019, Kerr
376-469: A 1–1 draw. Australia's finished second in their group and advanced to the round of 16 where Kerr played in the team that defeated Brazil 1–0. She also started the quarterfinal match in the first time Australia reached this stage, but they were defeated by 2011 champions Japan 1–0. In July 2017, Kerr was the top goalscorer at the inaugural Tournament of Nations in the United States. She scored
470-509: A 2018 Game Changer. In 2018, she was featured on the cover of the Australian version of the FIFA 19 video game. In September 2020, she was announced as the second-highest rated female player in FIFA 21 with a 92-rated card, which was only beat by Megan Rapinoe 's 93 rating. Kerr has an endorsement deal with Nike . In 2019, she starred in a commercial, Dream Further , that aired during
564-577: A 4–3 defeat, to become the all-time top scorer for the Matildas, surpassing Lisa De Vanna , with 48 goals. On 21 September, in their first match after their Olympics defeat, and in Australia's first ever match against the Republic of Ireland , Kerr won her 100th cap, the 10th Matilda in history to do so. She returned with Australia to play two friendly matches against Brazil on home soil in October,
658-600: A bow on the left shoulder, although they may wear the same insignia as males if so desired. A gold lapel pin for daily wear is issued with each badge of the order at the time of investiture; AK/AD and AC lapel pins feature a citrine central jewel, AO and AM lapel pins have a blue enamelled centre and OAM lapel pins are plain. The different levels of the order are awarded according to the recipients' levels of achievement: Since 1976 any Australian citizen may nominate any person for an Order of Australia award. People who are not Australian citizens may be awarded honorary membership of
752-561: A challenge to take the prime ministership in September 2015. Two months after coming into office, the new republican prime minister announced that the Queen had approved his request to amend the Order's letters patent and cease awards at this level. Existing titles would not be affected. The move was attacked by monarchists and praised by republicans. The amendments to the constitution of
846-487: A comfortable 4–0 win, there was no need for her to play. Kerr made her first appearance in the 2023 World Cup in the 80th minute of the Matildas' win in the round of 16 clash with Denmark . She was again used as a substitute in the Australia's historic quarter-final victory over France , scoring a goal in the concluding penalty shootout. The team reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time, facing England . Down
940-521: A goal after the first half, Kerr equalized for Australia with her first goal of the tournament, but two subsequent English goals resulted in a 3–1 loss, thwarting the Matildas' hopes of reaching the final. Kerr's goal was widely praised as one of the best of the tournament thus far, and was later nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award for 2023. Due to her ACL injury in January 2024 the footballer
1034-496: A hat-trick against her former team in Sydney FC . She continued her regular season form in the following season when she scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Melbourne Victory in the opening round of the competition. That would be the only goal that she would score in the season with her leg giving way in a non-contact ankle injury which forced her out for the rest of the season. This wouldn't stop Perth from giving her
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#17327911413691128-589: A member of the British Empire, members of the colonies and later federated nation of Australia were able to have achievement awarded under the British Imperial Honours system . However, existing criticism of the aristocratic nature of the awards grew following a cash-for-honours corruption scandal in the UK in 1922. Moves to abolish the awards federally and the states were unsuccessful; however
1222-774: A one-year contract extension before the start of that season. In the 2016–17 W-League season she scored ten goals, led the team to the Grand Final , and earned the Julie Dolan Medal and the Penny Tanner Media MVP Award. In October 2018, she became the first marquee player of the W-League when she was reportedly offered $ 400,000 contract to stay in Perth instead of going overseas where she was offered $ 100,000 less. The marquee signing delivered in
1316-432: A one-year deal as one of six Matildas to sign for Perth. She would open her account in Perth's second match against Adelaide United to give Perth the lead in the second half which they would win. The following match she scored a double in her team's 10–1 rout of Western Sydney Wanderers . After missing out in the next four games, Kerr would go and score eight goals in the final four games of the regular season which included
1410-694: A pet dog named Billie. In the Australian Football League (AFL), Kerr is a supporter of the West Coast Eagles and was the club's number-one ticket holder in 2019 and 2020. Her brother, Daniel Kerr , is a former player for the West Coast Eagles. On 27 October 2023, the newly finished West Australian State Football Centre was named the Sam Kerr Football Centre at its official opening. Kerr
1504-585: A representation of the states (with whom Whitlam's government was constantly in dispute) through the state badges within the Commonwealth Coat of Arms . The original three-level structure of the Order of Australia was modelled closely upon the Order of Canada , though the Order of Australia has been awarded rather more liberally, especially in regard to honorary awards to non-citizens. As of July 2024 only 30 non-Canadians have been appointed to
1598-583: A substitute in the 79th minute of Australia's first group stage match against Brazil . She was a starter for the team's second group stage match against Equatorial Guinea helping Australia win 3–2 and the team's final group stage match and 2–1 win against Norway . Australia finished second place in their group and advanced to the knockout stage where they were defeated 3–1 by Sweden . After injuring her knee in December 2014 and undergoing surgery, Kerr worked hard with fitness coach Aaron Holt to recover ahead of
1692-551: A warm weather training camp in Morocco and would miss the remainder of the season. On 13 June 2024, Kerr signed another two-year contract extension, keeping her at the club until 2026. In February 2009, at the age of 15, Kerr made her international debut for Australia's senior national team in Canberra as a 76th minute substitute in a friendly against Italy , which Australia lost 5–1. She scored her first international goal at
1786-527: Is a brand ambassador for Powerade . In 2021, she published her first book (The Flip Out) in her autobiographical football themed children's book series, "Kicking Goals". In July 2022, it was announced that Kerr would feature on the cover of the Ultimate edition of FIFA 23 alongside Kylian Mbappé , this is the first time a female player would appear on the global cover of the game franchise. ( Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair had previously appeared on
1880-444: Is a convex golden disc decorated with citrines, with a blue royally crowned inner disc bearing an image of the coat of arms of Australia. The ribbon of the order is royal blue with a central stripe of mimosa blossoms. Awards in the military division are edged with 1.5 mm golden bands. AKs, male ACs and AOs wear their badges on a necklet and male AMs and OAMs wear them on a ribbon on the left chest. Women usually wear their badges on
1974-434: Is a registered charity, whose stated purpose is "[t]o celebrate and promote outstanding Australian citizenship". It also supports the "community and social activities" of members and promotes and encourages the nomination of other Australians to the Order. The Order also runs a foundation that provides scholarships to tertiary students that show potential as future leaders and are involved in community activities. Branches of
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#17327911413692068-429: Is in a relationship with American soccer player Kristie Mewis . On 9 November 2023, in an interview with People magazine, Mewis confirmed that she and Kerr were engaged . The couple announced on 18 November 2024 that they were expecting their first child together. Kerr was previously in a relationship with former Perth Glory and Chicago Red Stars teammate Nikki Stanton . In Twickenham on 30 January 2023, Kerr
2162-563: Is likely to feel a bit second-rate, and the public is likely to agree. We hate to be the first to say it, but there is no doubt that the Order of Australia (OA) will be labelled as the Ocker Award. Satire and mockery also greeted the awards, being dubbed "Gough’s Gongs" and "the Order of the Wombat". The newly elected Liberal Fraser government decided to once again make recommendations for imperial awards, whilst maintaining and expanding
2256-599: Is similar, without the citrines. For the AM badge, only the crown is enamelled, and the OAM badge is plain. The AK/AD badge is similar to that of the AC badge, but with the difference that it contains at the centre an enamelled disc bearing an image of the coat of arms of Australia . The colours of royal blue and gold are taken from the livery colours of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms , the then national colours . The star for knights and dames
2350-688: Is the all-time leading Australian international scorer, with 69 international goals , and was the all-time leading scorer in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States until 2024. She is the only female soccer player to have won the Golden Boot in three different leagues and on three different continents—the W-League (Australia/New Zealand) in 2017–18 and 2018–19 , the NWSL (North America) in 2017 , 2018 , and 2019 , and
2444-566: Is the daughter of Roxanne ( née Regan) and Roger Kerr . Her father, a professional Australian rules football player, was born in Calcutta to an English father (a featherweight boxer) and an Indian mother who played basketball. Her mother also comes from a sporting family: her father Harry and uncle Con Regan were professional footballers in the West Australian Football League and another uncle J. J. Miller
2538-471: Is the sovereign head of the order, and the governor-general is the principal companion and chancellor of the order. The governor-general's official secretary , Paul Singer (appointed August 2018), is secretary of the order. The order is divided into a general and a military division. The five levels of appointment to the order in descending order of seniority are: Honorary awards at all levels may be made to non-citizens. These awards are made additional to
2632-596: The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. Kerr was the team's starting striker during Australia's first group stage match against the United States , which Australia lost 3–1. During the team's second group stage match, she helped Australia defeat Nigeria 2–0. During the match, Kerr was elbowed in the face by Ugo Njoku , which ultimately resulted in a three-game suspension for Njoku. Kerr recovered and started during Australia's final group stage match against Sweden ,
2726-484: The 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics. During the 2019 World Cup , she became the first Australian player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup tournament. In 2021, she captained the team to their historic first ever semi-final of a major tournament during the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics , resulting in their best ever 4th-place finish. Kerr was born in East Fremantle , a suburb of Perth , Western Australia. She
2820-551: The 2018–19 W-League season, when she finished top of the goal scoring charts with 17 goals at above a goal a game. This included a hat-trick in the semi-final against Melbourne Victory which booked Perth's spot into the grand final. In 2015, Kerr joined Matildas teammate Caitlin Foord at Sky Blue FC following their participation at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. Kerr's six goals in her nine appearances ranked first on
2914-542: The 2019–20 FA WSL season on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Kerr made her Chelsea debut against Reading on 5 January 2020 and scored her first goal two weeks later against Arsenal . She won her first trophy with Chelsea in their 2–1 win over Arsenal in the League Cup Final . Chelsea went on to win the 2019–20 league title despite a curtailed season due to the COVID-19 pandemic , based on points per match. At
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3008-523: The 2020 Women's FA Community Shield on 29 August 2020, Kerr created a series of goal scoring opportunities before being substituted in Chelsea's 2–0 win over Manchester City . She scored a hat-trick in the 6–0 win over Bristol City in Chelsea's defence of the League Cup title, and led goalscoring for Chelsea during the season, ultimately helping her win her second Women's Super League title during
3102-542: The 2020–21 FA WSL season. She scored 21 goals in 22 games, winning the Golden Boot, making her the first player to win it in three different leagues. That same season, Kerr helped Chelsea reach the final of the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time, before being defeated by Barcelona . During the 2021–22 WSL season, Kerr continued exhibiting fine form and was nominated for the Barclays Player of
3196-488: The Australian Labor Party remained opposed and generally refused to recommend awards whilst in office, with this a part of the party's platform since 1918. This was confirmed in a resolution adopted unanimously by the party conference in 1921. However, the non-Labor parties remained supportive, with the long running Menzies government making significant use of the imperial system. The Order of Australia
3290-610: The Chicago Red Stars along with Nikki Stanton by the Sky Blue FC in a three-team trade with the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash . She got off to a slow start in the 2018 season , not scoring until the eighth match of the season when she contributed to a 1–1 draw against North Carolina Courage . In August, she was named as NWSL Player of the Month for the third time in her career as she scored five goals throughout
3384-546: The NWSL Championship , losing 4–0 to North Carolina Courage. Several days prior to the championship game, Kerr was named the 2019 NWSL MVP , the first, and currently only, NWSL player to ever receive the award twice. Kerr also received, for the third year in a row, the NWSL Golden Boot , leading the league with 18 goals and five assists, despite missing some games over the summer to play with Australia in
3478-647: The PFA Players' Player of the Year , in addition to being named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for second consecutive year. Kerr finished as top goal scorer, netting 32 times in all competitions. She retained the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive year, having scored 20 times in the 2021–22 season. The striker scored a number of important goals during the season, including a crucial 92nd-minute winner against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow in March 2022 to keep
3572-901: The Women's Super League (Europe) in 2020–21 and 2021–22 . Kerr started her career at the age of 15 with Perth Glory where she played from 2008 to 2012, before moving to Sydney FC . In 2013, she joined the Western New York Flash for the inaugural season of the NWSL and helped lead the team to win the NWSL Shield . She later played for Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars in the same league. In 2019, Kerr indicated her interest to play in Europe, and having fielded multiple offers from clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais , Kerr ultimately signed with Chelsea , so far winning 8 trophies with
3666-456: The World Cup . Kerr was also named Player of the Year by the National Women's Soccer League Players Association , who presented their own awards for the first time. At the end of the 2019 season Kerr announced that she was considering moving to a European team and had multiple offers. On 13 November 2019, WSL club Chelsea announced Kerr would be joining the club for the second half of
3760-465: The 2017 season, Kerr set a new NWSL record when she scored 4 goals in a single game after being down 3–0 to Seattle Reign at halftime. Sky Blue eventually won the match 5–4. At the age of 23, Kerr sat atop the all-time NWSL goalscoring table. Kerr won the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP award after finishing the 2017 season with a record-breaking 17 goals. On 18 January 2018, Kerr was traded to
3854-636: The 2021–22 season) and 9 assists across all competitions, winning the Women's Super League for the third consecutive time, and the FA Women's Cup for the second consecutive time. After a formidable season in front of goal for the Blues, she was voted Chelsea Women's Player of the Year by Chelsea supporters with over 70 per cent of the vote and was also voted Women's Super League Player of the Season. She also received
Sam Kerr - Misplaced Pages Continue
3948-474: The 435 people who have received the nation's top Order of Australia honours since they were first awarded in 1975, shows they disproportionately attended a handful of elite Victorian secondary schools. Scotch College alumni received the highest number of awards, with 19 former students receiving Australia's [then] highest honour". On 26 January 1980 the Order of Australia Association was created as an incorporated body with membership open to award recipients. It
4042-628: The Blues' title hopes alive. Kerr also scored twice as Chelsea beat Manchester United on the final day of the season, with her well-taken volley against the Red Devils being voted the Goal of the Season. She also scored the winning goal at Wembley as the Blues secured their second consecutive FA Cup. She scored her first UEFA Champions league hat-trick against Paris FC on 23 November 2023. On 7 January 2024, Chelsea confirmed that Kerr had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL injury) during
4136-527: The Champions League Final and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and also featured Gerard Piqué , Alex Scott , Neymar Jr. , Crystal Dunn , Lieke Martens and Philippe Coutinho . The same year, her trademark backflip was featured in the Nike ad, Dream Crazier along with other women athletes like Serena Williams , Megan Rapinoe , and Diana Taurasi and aired during the 91st Academy Awards . She
4230-486: The Month for September. On 16 November 2021, Kerr signed a two-year contract extension, keeping her at the club until the end of the 2023–24 season, saying: "I can't see myself going anywhere else in the world or leaving Europe, having what I have at Chelsea." The following week, Kerr scored the winning goal in Chelsea's Champions League group stage match against Servette , and scored her third league hat-trick, against Birmingham City , within 26 minutes, as well as providing
4324-418: The Order of Australia and the award of 199 Honorary Medals of the Order of Australia. Notable honorary awards include: Since 1975, just over 30 per cent of recipients of an Order of Australia honour have been women. The number of nominations and awards for women is trending up, with the 2023 Australia Day Honours resulting in the highest percentage of awards for women to date (47.1 per cent, 47.9 per cent in
4418-597: The Order of Australia. This was done by with the addition of two additional award levels: Knight or Dame (AK or AD) above the level of Companion, and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) below Members. The Civil Division was also renamed the General Division, so that awards could be given to those in the Defence Force for non-military achievement. These changes were made on 24 May 1976. The reaction to
4512-486: The Order of Canada, while 537 non-Australians have been appointed to the Order of Australia, with 46 to the Companion level. Public reaction to the new awards was mixed. Only the state Labor governments of Tasmania and South Australia agreed to submit recommendations for the new awards, with the remaining governments affirming their committent to the existing imperial honours system. Newspaper editorials similarly praised
4606-439: The Order were gazetted on 22 December 2015. Yvonne Kenny AM represented the Order at the 2023 Coronation . King Charles III , when he was Prince of Wales , was appointed a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK) on 14 March 1981. As he is not an Australian citizen, even though he was the heir to the Australian throne at the time, this would have required the award to be honorary. To overcome this issue, his appointment
4700-594: The Order would be determined by the Council of the Order of Australia. Awards of the Order of Australia are sometimes made to people who are not citizens of Australia to honour extraordinary achievements. These achievements, or the people themselves, are not necessarily associated with Australia, although they often are. On 1 July 2024, the Australian Honours website listed appointments for 46 Honorary Companions, 118 Honorary Officers, 174 Honorary Members of
4794-441: The Queen to reinstate the level of knight or dame and the Queen co-signed letters patent to bring this into effect. The change was publicly announced on 25 March, and gazetted on 17 April 2014. Up to four knights or dames could be appointed each year, by the Queen of Australia on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the chairman of the Order of Australia Council. Five awards of knight and dame were then made, to
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#17327911413694888-584: The Western Knights, she trialled for the Western Australian State Team before moving to Perth Glory . Kerr made her debut for Perth Glory at the age of 15 during the 2009 W-League season . She was voted Players' Player at the 2009 W-League Awards and awarded Goal of the Year for her long–range goal against Sydney FC in round 8. During the 2010–11 season , Kerr started in all 10 matches and scored three goals. She scored
4982-513: The age of 12, mostly due to gender restrictions. Despite facing some struggles transitioning from Australian rules football to association football, at age 13, she was spotted by Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski who described her athleticism and raw talent as "exceptional". At age 15, she made her W-League and international debuts. Kerr first started playing football as a junior at Western Knights in Mosman Park. After three years at
5076-483: The age of 16 during the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup final against North Korea , helping Australia draw 1–1 in full-time, which led to Kerr's first international trophy. In May 2010, Kerr was named to the Matildas squad to compete at the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup , the qualifying tournament for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. After scoring in the second match of the group against South Korea , she scored
5170-462: The assist for team-mate Fran Kirby 's 100th Chelsea goal, with Kerr celebrating her achievement with her signature back-flip, the first time she performed it at Chelsea's homeground of Kingsmeadow . On 5 December, Kerr scored a brace in the delayed FA Cup final against Arsenal, winning Player of the Match, and helping her team lift the trophy and secure the domestic quadruple of the 2020–21 season,
5264-511: The association are in all the states and territories of Australia as well as the UK and the USA. Total inductees as of July 2024 . The order of wearing Australian and other approved honours is determined by the government. The award is parodied in the play Amigos , where the central character is determined to be awarded the AC, and uses persuasion, bribery and blackmail in his (ultimately successful) attempts to get himself nominated for
5358-450: The award to Prince Philip in a ReachTEL poll. The Australian Labor Party continued to oppose knighthoods and damehoods. Leader of the opposition Bill Shorten stated in March 2014 that the party would again discontinue the level if it were to win the next Australian federal election. The knighthood decision was a significant factor that caused Liberal party members to question Abbott's leadership, with Malcolm Turnbull succeeding in
5452-411: The awards as an example of Australia's greater independence, whilst also noting that the awards would likely appear second-rate. The Australian stated that There is no longer a British Empire; everyone knows that. But somehow the phrase "imperial honours" still carries a ring of regal authenticity that somehow transcends nationalism. For the time being a recipient ... of the Order of Australia
5546-519: The changes to the awards were similarly split along party lines. Following the 1983 federal election , Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke recommitted to the end of recommendations for imperial awards. No knighthoods were awarded during his first term in office and he advised the abolition of the knight/dame level after being re-elected in 1986. During the time the division was active from 1976 to 1983, twelve knights and two dames were created. On 19 March 2014, monarchist prime minister Tony Abbott advised
5640-461: The charge, while her lawyers asked for the charge to be withdrawn, claiming abuse of process in view of the "exceptional delay" in bringing it. Media did not become aware of the charge until March 2024, and the case is due for trial in February 2025. Kerr did not inform Football Australia of either the charges or the court appearance; instead, they found out when the media released the story. Kerr
5734-436: The club, including back-to-back-to-back Women's Super League titles, as well as helping the team reach the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time in 2021. Kerr earned her first senior international cap in 2009 at the age of 15 and has since represented Australia at the 2010 , 2014 , 2018 , and 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup tournaments, the 2011 , 2015 , 2019 , and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups, and
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#17327911413695828-539: The cover of the US and Canada versions of FIFA 16 , respectively.) New artwork featuring Kerr on the cover of FIFA 23 is also scheduled for the 2023 Women's World Cup . Kerr was crowned world's best women's footballer in the FIFA 23 Women's World Cup - alongside Spain's Alexia Putellas . In July 2023, she co-starred in a commercial for Degree deodorant, along with Trinity Rodman , Tamires and Estefania Banini . Kerr has
5922-518: The establishment of the order, Australians could receive British honours , which continued to be issued in parallel until 1992. Appointments to the order are made by the governor-general , "with the approval of The Sovereign", according to recommendations made by the Council for the Order of Australia . Members of the government are not involved in the recommendation of appointments, other than for military and honorary awards. The King of Australia
6016-463: The exception of awards recommended by the soon to be independent government of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea ); however this did not affect the constitutional right of state governments to recommend imperial awards. According to the governor general's then-secretary Sir David Smith , Whitlam was furious when he first saw Devlin's design for the insignia of the order, due to the inclusion of
6110-531: The first English women's club to achieve the feat. Kerr ended the 2021 calendar year as the leading goalscorer in the WSL, with 23 goals, and was second in total assists with 10, behind Kirby. Upon returning to Chelsea after being eliminated in the Asian Cup at the beginning of 2022, Kerr continued with a fine run of goal-scoring, scoring 10 goals in 7 consecutive matches, the first Chelsea player to do so. She scored
6204-457: The first time doing so since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and scored her 49th international goal in the second match. At the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup , Kerr scored 5 goals in Australia's opening match of the group stage against Indonesia , and in the process, equalled and surpassed the Australian international goal-scoring record, among both male and female Australian internationals, previously set by Tim Cahill (50 international goals). She
6298-401: The general division). Advocacy groups such as Honour a Woman and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency have called for greater effort to be made to reach equal representation of men and women in the order. In December 2010, The Age reported a study of the educational backgrounds of all people who had received Knight/Dame and Companion level awards at that time. It reported: "An analysis of
6392-432: The goal was counted for Australia. Australia won 3–2. Kerr scored four goals in the team's 4–1 win against Jamaica and was named Player of the Match. She is the first Australian player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup tournament and the tenth player to score four goals. Australia finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout stage where they were defeated by Norway in a penalty shoot-out. Kerr's five goals at
6486-441: The governments of each respective state and territory, and three ex officio members (the chief of the Defence Force , the vice-president of the Federal Executive Council and a public servant responsible for honours policy). The Council chair as of August 2024 is Shelley Reys. The Council makes recommendations to the governor-general. Awards are announced on Australia Day and on the King's Birthday public holiday in June, on
6580-463: The governor-general to remove an individual from the order, who may cancel an award. Announcements of all awards, cancellations and resignations appear in the Commonwealth Gazette . Nomination forms are confidential and not covered by the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) . The reasoning behind a nomination being successful or unsuccessful—and even the attendees of the meetings where such nominations are discussed—remains confidential. As
6674-468: The lone Chelsea goal in a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the League Cup final and in Chelsea's 0–9 record-breaking win against Leicester City in the WSL on 27 March, Kerr scored a brace, repeating the feat the following week in a match against Reading , the 5th consecutive WSL match she had scored in. On 24 April, in a league game against Tottenham Hotspur , Kerr scored in her 6th consecutive WSL match, and in doing so, broke her own record set
6768-635: The month of August which included two goals against Portland Thorns FC and Orlando Pride . At the end of the 2018 season, Kerr scored 16 goals and won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season, leading to her becoming the first player to win the NWSL Golden Boot more than once, and was elected into the NWSL Best XI as a forward. At the end of the 2019 season , Kerr and the Chicago Red Stars made their first appearance in
6862-417: The occasion of a special announcement by the governor-general (usually honorary awards), and on the appointment of a new governor-general. The governor-general presents the order's insignia to new appointees. Appointments to the order may be made posthumously as long as a person was nominated for an award whilst they were still alive. Awardees may subsequently resign from the order, and the Council may advise
6956-411: The opening goal of the final against North Korea before seeing Australia taking out the title via a penalty shoot-out. The same year, she represented Australia at the 2010 Peace Queen Cup . In 2011 at age 17, Kerr was named to Australia's 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup squad by head coach Tom Sermanni as one of seven players who were under twenty years of age. She made her World Cup debut coming on as
7050-438: The opening match against Ireland as a result of a calf injury. The team announced that she would miss the first two pool matches, but subsequently there was speculation that she would miss all of them and possibly the whole tournament. Rumours emerged that the team deliberately understated the severity of the injury. She ultimately missed all three group games but could have taken the pitch against Canada if they needed her. With
7144-674: The order at all levels. Nomination forms are submitted to the Director, Honours Secretariat, a position within the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia , at Government House, Canberra , which are then forwarded to the Council for the Order of Australia . The council consists of 19 members: seven selected by the prime minister (described as "community representatives"), eight appointed by
7238-520: The outgoing governor-general , Quentin Bryce ; her successor, Peter Cosgrove ; a recent chief of the Defence Force , Angus Houston ; a recent governor of New South Wales , Marie Bashir ; and Prince Philip . This last award was widely met with ridicule and dismay by many in the Australian media. The award was also heavily criticised in the community, with 72% disapproving and 12% in favour of
7332-532: The previous season of scoring against the most opposing teams, by scoring against all opponents bar Arsenal . In April 2022, Kerr was awarded the FWA Women's Footballer of the Year , receiving 40% of the vote ahead of Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp , and won the FA WSL April Player of the Month. Kerr ended the season with 32 goals (including 3 goals of the 2020–21 FA Cup held over the course of
7426-681: The prime minister alone, rather than by the Council of the Order of Australia, as is the case with all lower levels of the order. In accordance with the statutes of 2014, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , was created a Knight of the Order by letters patent signed by the Queen on 7 January 2015, on Abbott's advice. Prince Philip's knighthood was announced as part of the Australia Day Honours on 26 January 2015 and his appointment attracted criticism of what Abbott described as his "captain's call". Abbott responded by announcing that future recommendations for appointments as Knights and Dames of
7520-407: The quarter-finals against Great Britain , Kerr scored an 89th-minute equaliser to see the game into extra time, before getting a brace to help Australia secure a 4–3 victory and progress to the semi-finals against Sweden. During this match, Kerr scored a goal that was controversially disallowed, and Australia ultimately lost 1–0. In the bronze medal match against the United States, she scored a goal in
7614-528: The quotas. The order's insignia was designed by Stuart Devlin . The badge of the Order of Australia is a convex disc (gold for AKs, ADs and ACs, gilt for AOs, AMs and OAMs) representing a single flower of mimosa . At the centre is a ring, representing the sea, with the word Australia below two branches of mimosa. The whole disc is topped by the Crown of St Edward . The AC badge is decorated with citrines , blue enamelled ring, and enamelled crown. The AO badge
7708-569: The rate she is, Sam can become one of the best strikers in the world." Kerr started in all 20 matches and was the team's leading scorer with 9 goals. She was named NWSL Player of the Week for week 9 after recording a brace and assist against Portland. Following the 2014 season, Kerr was traded to Sky Blue FC in exchange for Elizabeth Eddy and a first-round pick—fourth overall—in the 2015 NWSL College Draft . The Flash used that pick to draft Sam Mewis . In August 2014, Kerr returned to Perth Glory on
7802-516: The team. During the 2016 season , Kerr made nine appearances for Sky Blue after being away with the national team in preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics. She scored five goals during the regular season. Kerr was named NWSL Player of the week for Week 18 after scoring two goals: an 80th-minute equaliser against the Orlando Pride and a game-winning goal against the Pride a few days later. In
7896-429: The tournament ranked fourth highest behind Ellen White of England and Americans Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, who all scored six. At 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, Australia was grouped with United States , Sweden and New Zealand . Kerr scored in the opening game, in which they beat New Zealand 2–1. In the second game against Sweden, Kerr scored a brace but missed a penalty and ended up losing 4–2. Progressing to
7990-498: Was a champion jockey who won the Melbourne Cup in 1966 with Galilee . I started at 12. Before that it was all AFL. I hated soccer when I was a kid. I never had a soccer ball around the house. Sam Kerr Kerr played Australian rules football when she was young. Both her father and older brother, Daniel Kerr , were professional Australian rules footballers. She played the sport until switching to association football at
8084-470: Was also able to achieve the feat within fewer matches, needing 105 matches to equal the 50 goals set by Cahill, who set the record within 108 international appearances. Despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea , she won the Golden Boot, scoring 7 goals in only 4 matches. On 3 July, it was announced that Kerr would captain the Matildas' 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup squad in her fourth World Cup appearance, this time on home soil. Kerr missed
8178-447: Was created by an amendment to the constitution of the Order of Australia by special letters patent signed by the Queen, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser . In March 2014 the knight and dame levels, which had been abolished in 1986 by Prime Minister Bob Hawke , were reintroduced to the Order of Australia by Tony Abbott . At the same time, Abbott announced that future appointments at this level would be recommended by
8272-431: Was detained overnight after an incident outside a police station involving a dispute over a taxi fare, as well as allegedly vomiting in the cab and calling an attending police officer a "stupid white bastard". On 21 January 2024, Kerr was charged with racially aggravated harassment against a police officer during the incident. She has disputed this, saying that she called him a "stupid white cop", and has pleaded not guilty to
8366-498: Was established on 14 February 1975 by letters patent of Queen Elizabeth II , acting as Queen of Australia , and on the advice of the newly elected Labor prime minister , Gough Whitlam . The original order had three levels: Companion (AC), Officer (AO) and Member (AM) as well as two divisions: Civil Division and Military Division. Whitlam had previously announced in 1972 (on his third day in office) that his government would no longer nominate persons for British Imperial honours (with
8460-603: Was featured along with her national teammates in the EA Sports ' FIFA video game series starting in FIFA 16 , the first time women players were included in the game. Kerr was featured on the cover of the July 2011 issue of Australian FourFourTwo along with four of her national team teammates: Melissa Barbieri , Kyah Simon , Thea Slatyer , and Sarah Walsh . In March 2018, she was featured in Vogue Australia as
8554-459: Was her first at a World Cup tournament and she celebrated by punching the corner flag to honour Tim Cahill , the all-time leading goalscorer for the Socceroos . During the team's second group stage match against Brazil , though Kerr was in an offside position when Monica Hickmann Alves headed the ball into her own goal, the video assistant referee (VAR) deemed that Kerr wasn't interfering and
8648-537: Was named captain of the Matildas by newly appointed head coach Ante Milicic . Two months later, she was one of five nominees for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award. During the team's first group stage match at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, she opened up an early lead against Italy after scoring a goal off a penalty kick rebound, though Australia ultimately lost 2–1 in stoppage time. Kerr's goal
8742-439: Was the Australian flag-bearer at the coronation of Charles III . Sydney FC Western New York Flash Medal of the Order of Australia The Order of Australia is an Australian honour that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. It was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II , Queen of Australia , on the advice of then prime minister Gough Whitlam . Before
8836-586: Was unable to participate in 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament's third round in February. She was still recovering when the Matildas 18-player Olympic squad for the Paris games was named in June. In 2013, Kerr was featured in an hour-long episode of ESPN 's Aussies Abroad entitled, The Matildas , which profiled four Australian national team players (Kerr, Lisa De Vanna , Kyah Simon , and Caitlin Foord ) and their experience playing internationally. She
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