Matildas meet special guests in emotional scene ahead of Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria
The Matildas are reunited with their former physiotherapist in an emotional scene in Queensland.
Joe Boon was a beloved staff member in the Matildas camp and crossed paths with nine Queenslanders in the team while at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QSAC).
She was the therapist when Katrina Gorey, Claire Polkinghorne, Mackenzie Arnold, Temeka Yallop, Hayley Raso, Ivy Luick, Teagan Micah and Cortini Vine were all teenagers at the academy.
Boone was diagnosed with motor neuron disease — a terminal illness in 2019 when the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which are needed to walk, talk and breathe, stop working properly.
As the condition progresses, sufferers find that all of these actions become more difficult or impossible.
The cause of this condition is unclear and there is currently no single test or cure.
A special guest visited the Matildas after training on Sunday
What is motor neuron disease?
Motor neuron disease occurs when the nerves in the brain and spinal cord — which are needed for walking, talking and breathing — stop working properly.
As the condition progresses, sufferers find that all of these actions become more difficult or impossible.
The cause of this condition is unclear and there is currently no single test or cure.
But it’s thought to be linked to a build-up of proteins in the brain that clump together and cause problems with movement, breathing and thinking.
Symptoms of the condition begin gradually over weeks and months, usually on one side of the body before worsening.
These include a weak grip, dragging of the left leg, and slurred speech.
Around 5,000 people in the UK have MND at any one time.
Sufferers live an average of three to five years after diagnosis. Some can live up to 10 years.
Source: NHS
On Sunday, Boon paid a surprise visit to the Matildas camp at QSAC and spoke to the players after a training session, as Tony Gustavsson’s side prepare for their second World Cup game against Nigeria.
Former Matilda, fellow Queenslander and head of delegation Alicia Ferguson said, ‘Joe is another key member of the team that really gets behind the team.
‘Any athlete will tell you how important physiotherapists are to the team environment and even the physio room.
‘The physio room is where the treatment is, getting the players back on the pitch, keeping them on the pitch.
‘This is where gossip happens. This is where counseling takes place. This is the safe space for athletes and so the relationship between the physio and the players is very important as it is one of trust.
‘Physios are a really important role in a team environment because they have to keep those positive vibes going when there’s some big emotions going on.
‘Joe had such a positive impact on us, which is why it’s great to reconnect with him after all these years. It’s great to see her and hope to let her know what a big influence she has had on our lives.’
Boone has been a source of inspiration to many at the game, raising more than $100,000 for a cure for MND.
He spoke of his pride in meeting the players he helped on their journey to stardom.
‘I’m very proud, honestly,’ Boone told the players who attended Thursday’s game.
‘It was a little input, but it will live with me forever.’
Boon was the physiotherapist for many Matildas players when he was younger