Why Matildas star Cortnee Vine has never felt better – and how she could be Sydney FC’s X-factor in the A-League women’s grand final against Melbourne City.

EXCLUSIVE

Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine has ominously declared she is ready to add to her extensive silverware collection ahead of Saturday’s A-League Women’s (ALW) grand final against Melbourne City.

Vine, 26, emerges as a key figure for the Sky Blues, who will have their sights set on revenge after recently losing the Premier’s Plate in dramatic fashion.

Some costly stumbles from Ante Juric’s side before the semi-finals saw Melbourne City emerge as league champions – but Vine remains confident his side can play the role of party animals at AAMI Park and hoist the trophy .

“It (losing the league) definitely acts as motivation,” she told Daily Mail Australia.

Matildas and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine says she is ready to add to her silverware collection ahead of Saturday’s A-League women’s grand final against Melbourne City.

Vine is hoping to win Saturday’s Grand Final with Sky Blues teammate and girlfriend Charlotte McLean (left)

“It’s our fourth Grand Final in a row, and usually we have good games against them. “We’re all looking forward to it.”

Vine has been a consistent performer at domestic level this season, but admits her life is not the same after her penalty shootout exploits for the Matildas against France at last year’s World Cup.

The competition marquee is now recognized in most places she goes – and finds the attention “flattering”.

“Life has definitely changed, I sometimes feel like people are looking at me… there are a lot of eyes on me,” she said.

“It’s the little things…I used to walk to my local cafe in my pajamas and place an order. I don’t do that anymore.

“It’s the same thing at the supermarket… people sometimes do a double take to see if it’s me, then often ask for a photo.

“I’m getting used to this attention, it’s new, but flattering.”

Cortnee Vine became a national hero following her penalty shootout exploits in the World Cup quarter-final against France last August.

Vine also confirmed why she did not compete in Australia’s Olympic qualifiers in February.

“At the time, I felt like I needed to reset my life,” she said.

“I will be available for Paris, but if Tony (Gustavsson) goes in a different direction, that will not be a problem for me.

“I had to put myself first.”

The Victorian-born star made her W-League debut with Brisbane Roar as a teenager – but it was her next move to Newcastle where she first felt a sense of belonging as a professional athlete .

“I loved it, it was definitely one of the best times of my life,” Vine said while reflecting on his time with the Jets between 2017 and 2019.

“I’ve been fortunate to have quite a bit of success over the last few years with Sydney, but I will always be grateful for the opportunities Newcastle provided.”

Ultimately, European football awaits Vine – the question is when.

Cortnee Vine was recently announced as an ambassador for the Strand luggage brand

She also caught the attention of the Matildas during their friendly victory against Mexico on 9 April.

“I get asked this all the time…the truth is I’ll go when I’m ready,” she said.

“I love my life here in Australia, I’m not in a hurry…I still wonder about seeing myself on billboards and on the back of buses.

“I would like to see the league (in Australia) more professional, but I understand it won’t happen overnight.

“At the moment, I don’t want to move my whole life abroad… (but) when the right opportunity presents itself, I will explore it.”

Kickoff at AAMI Park for the ALW Grand Final is set for 4:15 p.m.