Kahli Johnson wants ‘to learn and grow’ during her first senior Matildas camp

Earlier this year, striker Kahli Johnson was in contention to win the A-League Women’s golden boot, competing with the likes of Emily Gielnik and Holly McNamara.

Now, she’s playing in the new Canadian Northern Super League for the Calgary Wild and has been called into a senior national team camp for the first time.

“It wasn’t a matter of whether that [move to Calgary Wild] was going to get me a call up or not but it’s pretty cool to see it paying off at the moment,” Johnson said.

The striker racked up eight goals in her 18 appearances this season for Western United, before being bought out by Calgary Wild, where she’s already made six appearances and scored three goals.

“I was really happy that Western [United] were willing to let me take that next step and I’m very grateful for them,” she said regarding her move.

Now in fine scoring form, Johnson is looking to make her mark on the field with the Matildas and soak up as much as she can during the upcoming two-game series against Argentina.

“I just want to learn and grow as much as I can, obviously there’s so much experience in this team, a lot of great players, and I’m really excited to train with them and get as much out of it.”

Even with all the experience surrounding her, Johnson still has quite a few familiar faces with her in camp, having gone to two FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups and has been in the U-23 squad previously.

“There’s a good handful of girls between the Under 20’s and 23’s, Bryleeh [Henry], Leah Davidson, Holly McNamara, Jamilla Rankin, I know all those girls pretty well, equally, Izzy Gomez, played a bit of youth football with her,” said Johnson.

“I think it’s pretty cool when you come into an environment like this with girls you’ve known since you were 13-14, that’s pretty special, it’s a bit of a pinch me moment.”

With the potential to play against Argentina in Melbourne this Friday night at Marvel Stadium, Johnson’s fully focused on making the most of the chance she’s been given.

“Any time you get an opportunity like this it’s kind of a test whether you can step up and really take it with two hands, for me I’m just worried about playing my own game and just trying to do the best I can for the team and if I can do that I’ll be happy.”

Listen to the latest episode of The Dubcast, Round Ball Australia’s Women’s Football podcast on Spotify, Apple, or watch on YouTube, with new episodes every Wednesday.