Larissa Crummer has settled back into football after that two-year break due to injury, and is close to reaching a couple of milestones: 50 games for Brisbane Roar and 100 games in the A-League Women competition. When presented with these statistics, Crummer was surprised. These are not the kind of milestones the Roar number 9 keeps track of, instead she focusses on short-term goals.
“I just want to keep track of the performance and that I’m doing everything right for the team,” Crummer says.
She has a lot to work for this season as players vie to earn selection for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Crummer started playing with the Young Matildas at the age of 14 and has been involved with the Matildas from 2015 onwards. After appearing in recent Matildas friendlies, the 2015-16 A-League Women Golden Boot wants to continue that trend.
Crummer has played for four A-League Women clubs – starting with a debut for Sydney FC in the 2012-13 season at only 16 years of age. Despite being a well-known striker, she played as a full-back during this campaign.
“Yeah. Staj [coach Alen Stajcic] was trying a few different things,” observes Crummer.
“I feel like I’m an attacker at heart, but I guess having a second position or even a third or a fourth is good in my game; especially in the national side … [if I can] do a job for a team then I’m happy to do it,” she adds.
As spectators, we are familiar with the occasions that Crummer is called on to play in the backline for the Matildas, but it’s the goals that are special for her – not that there is one particular goal that stands out in her memory.
“I think I usually score only tap-ins. Right place, right time, I guess. I don’t know, I think they’re all a bit special,” Crummer says.
When reflecting on her experience as a 16-year-old and thinking about the 16-year-olds that are now her teammates, Crummer can see how far she has come.
“Yeah, I like to think that I’m some sort of role model for them. I’m never too hard on them, I like to show them the right direction like I was [shown],” Crummer says. She remembers how hard it was for her mum to get her to training and games, and appreciates the similar work by her teammates’ parents.
“I think definitely I look back now and as a 16-year-old I was probably a little cocky and knew no better, but I think having those two years out and having a bit of reflection on my game and how I played, I think I’ve definitely come back stronger and a better person for it,” Crummer says.
Many people are familiar with the story of Crummer’s broken leg, suffered while playing for Newcastle Jets in 2019. It took two years for her to return to professional football with a new perspective. She spends a lot of time with her family, camping, and going to the beach.
“I appreciate my downtime a lot more – I think that’s something I’ve learned in the last two years. You know, days off are days off, not go out and train harder,” Crummer says.
When reflecting on her career, one season in particular stands out.
“My favourite season would be Melbourne City, the first year that I played … that’s when national doors opened up and I went to Seattle as well,” Crummer recalls. Injury prevented her from playing many games for Seattle, but she would consider going overseas again.
“Yeah, definitely. You know it’s something I’ve talked about with my partner, you know, if I can make the move, she’d probably come so I’m definitely open to it,” Crummer says. She also has a plumber’s apprenticeship that she is close to finishing, but right now the focus is on the next game.
“I definitely need to score some goals. A bit dry at the moment,” she says.
Crummer’s 50th game for Brisbane Roar will be the New Year’s Eve match against Sydney FC, the team where it all started for her.
