Sam Kerr Mural for Optus Sport

I was given the opportunity to paint a 7-metre-high mural of Matildas superstar Sam Kerr for the Optus Sport documentary Football Belongs. This project was an incredible experience—not only in its scale but also in its message. The mural was completed in just three days, with every step of the process filmed and documented for the feature.

From the outset, my goal was to portray Sam Kerr as more than just an athlete; I wanted to celebrate her strength, power, and determination. Women in street art are so often depicted as passive or ornamental, but with this mural, I aimed to challenge that narrative. I wanted young women and girls to see Sam as an inspiration—someone who has carved out a career at the highest level of football through skill and perseverance.

“So much of street art is pretty girls or pretty girls crying. I wanted to create something that was a bit of an antidote to that,” I explained during the filming of the documentary. Instead of focusing on beauty, this piece captures athleticism and ambition—qualities that define Sam Kerr and set her apart as a role model.

The mural now stands in Fremantle, a striking tribute to one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes. Seeing the response from the community has been incredibly rewarding. Public art has the power to elevate voices, tell stories, and redefine perceptions, and I am honoured to have contributed to this project in a way that highlights the significance of women in sport.

This experience reinforced my belief in the role of street art in shaping conversations and inspiring change. Whether through community projects like the Weeip Park Mural or high-profile commissions like this one, my goal remains the same: to create art that resonates, empowers, and leaves a lasting impact.