Matildas frenzy continues at Karrinyup Shopping Centre with hundreds lining up to meet three stars

Karrinyup Shopping Centre was engulfed in Matildas fever when three of the team’s superstars met local fans.

The meet-and-greet on Monday afternoon came a day after the Matilda’s triumphant 8-0 victory over the Philippines at a sold out Optus Stadium.

Hundreds flocked in a sea of green and gold to meet World cup heroes Kyra Cooney-Cross, Courtney Nevin and Cortnee Vine, getting pictures and autographs.

First in line was 13-year-old Amy, who had been queuing since 9am. The stars did not arrive until 2.40pm.

Olivia’s mother Amy said the chance for her daughter to meet some of her idols was special.

“Olivia loves them, she plays with the Perth Glory development team and she just loves soccer and loves the Matildas,” she said.

“They’re such a great inspiration for all the girls who play soccer and it’s amazing what they’ve done with all the sell-out crowds and everything.

“I hope the funding for the sport increases for women and I hope the Matildas will get what they deserve in terms of remuneration. They deserve to get as much as the Messis and Ronaldos.”

Olivia, 9, had her shirt signed by Cooney-Cross and was ecstatic with the chance to meet her heroes up-close.

“I’ve only seen them play, I’ve never met them before,” she said.

Michaela and Indy, both 10, and Ava, 9, were also overjoyed with meeting the players, notably their favourite in Vine who became a cult hero when she kicked the winning goal from the penalty spot against France in the World Cup.

Nevin and Cooney-Cross play in the Women’s Super League in England with Leicester City and Arsenal respectively.

Cooney-Cross burst on to the scene at the age of 21 during this year’sWorld Cup, leading to attention from the Gunners who signed her following the tournament.

The meet-and-greet event was organised by Priceline Pharmacy, an official partner of MiniRoos soccer.

Priceline Pharmacy Karrinyup franchise owner Nick Partridge said he was thrilled that the next generation of Matildas could meet their idols.

“It feels amazing, I didn’t quite understand the wave that the Matildas are riding right now — it’s just pulled everyone,” he said.

“I spoke to someone who had driven up from Golden Bay just for this. It’s crazy to have even thought of this five years ago.

“At nine this morning we were setting up and there was already people waiting to be first in line.

“A lot of planning went into this and it’s great to see all of the smiling faces of people lining up for a photo and signature.”

Speaking to the three stars, Mr Partridge said the players were still coming to terms with their celebrity status.

“It feels like they’re still coming to grips with their stardom,” he said.

“They still don’t quite get that they are so popular and sort of in shock a little bit, but I think they’re quietly enjoying it.”

Mr Partridge who has two young daughters who are massive “Tillies” fans, said the team is important for women sport but also provides “strong female role models to look up to”.

“Not only was the Matildas’ World Cup performance inspirational, the team showed Australia that women’s football is top quality, exciting, and deserving of attention,” he said.

Five lucky fans were also given the opportunity for a private meeting with the three Matildas, with Priceline Pharmacy holding a $2 raffle with proceeds going to its Sisterhood Foundation to help women through a range of charities and support mechanisms.

The Matildas now turn their attention to their last of three games in Perth where they take on Chinese Taipei at HBF Park on Wednesday.