Big Week For Spira Siblings

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Socceroo Matt, 23, is in the mix to play in Friday night’s opening World Cup 2014 qualifier against Thailand in Brisbane.

And just 16 hours later in Melbourne the classy defender’s sisters Laura and Amelia are set to run out at AAMI Park in the Victorian WPL grand final as part of the VPL grand final double-header.

For 19-year-old Laura, crowned the Victorian Gold Medal winner and Golden Boot on Monday night, these are especially exciting times as she’s also set for trials next week with W-League club Melbourne Victory.

“That’s what you work for playing in the premier league, to get to the W-League and eventually trial and take that next step forward,” the 26-goal South Melbourne striker told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“The next step for me is W-League so I’ll work towards that. It’s still achievable despite the difference in standard.”

She hailed her coach, former Socceroo Alan Davidson, in her acceptance speech on Monday.

“This award would not have come without the hard work of my teammates and great coaching by Alan Davidson," she said.

"I’m the final link of great play and I’m just lucky to have such a strong network around me.”

However she concedes the surge in numbers of female players posing a challenge for players even in their late teens like her.

“Girls are starting at a younger age so obviously the talent and competition is growing," she said. "I’m competing against girls younger than me so it makes it harder."

For Laura and sister Amelia, also set  for Saturday's grand final against Sandringham, their parents would drag them to their older brother's junior games in Geelong.

It had an effect on her football career watching then then-midfielder develop.

“Even at a young age there’s the mental side of things. There is pressure,” said Laura.

“He [Matt] was always wanting to perform and impress the coach and work hard and that was kind of nice to see and that rubbed off on us.

“I’d tried take him on sometimes but he’d nutmeg me! But he watches all our games on YouTube and he’s really encouraging.”

The family would often visit Matt during his injury riddled years in Germany. But since the 23-year-old’s move to Japan, it’s been smooth sailing at Urawa Red Diamonds.

“The fans in Saitama, they’re crazy. They’re like their own little army. He’s happy there and playing regularly. What more can you ask for?” Laura said.

Perhaps for Laura it's a spot in the W-League. And she has even made her mark on Matildas skipper Melissa Barbieri accidentally kicking her in the face during a club match.

“She called me a ninja after the game!" said Laura. "But she has been very supportive to me.”

The full list of winners from Monday night's awards are as follows.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AWARDS NIGHT PICS