The greatest influencers to follow

You CAN be what you can’t see, it may just take more determination and drive to be that initial person to break the glass ceiling.

The first conversation I overheard early on Tuesday morning involved dissecting the Matildas’ 2-0 FIFA World Cup victory over Denmark. Two middle-aged blokes in lycra spinning past me while deep in discussion about the round of 16 contest, which it turns out attracted more viewers than last year’s AFL and NRL grand finals, as well as the State of Origin. 

More than 3.5 million watched Sydney’s Accor Stadium event on Channel 7, the highest audience for any television show to date in 2023. Seven’s coverage of the World Cup has reached 9.25 million broadcast views, plus an additional 1.67 million on 7plus. 

The impact of this World Cup on Brisbane’s economy was also underestimated, with an early value prediction of around $30 million to Brisbane hotels, bars and restaurants skyrocketing to a $50 million windfall. That’s expected to increase even further ahead of the Matildas’ sold-out quarter-final clash with France tomorrow night at Suncorp Stadium. 

Australia is now only three wins away from a maiden World Cup title but regardless of where their best World Cup campaign ends, they’ve already secured a spot in the hearts of millions of Australians. Not only will Brissie landmarks be lit in green and gold this weekend, so too will the faces of our next generation of female athletes who now have more than one or two scarcely profiled role models to follow. 

You CAN be what you can’t see, just ask Sam Kerr or Mary Fowler, but it’s nice to know the pathway to get there might be somewhat smoother for our youngsters coming through. 

I hope you enjoy the read.

Matt Lancashire