Taylor Ray is feasting on the energy given to her by Melbourne Victory’s supporters.
The 24-year-old made her long-awaited debut during the 3-0 win against Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon, having missed the first four rounds of action through injury.
And given the reception afforded to Ray as she made her maiden appearance, onlookers would have been forgiven for assuming she was a returning hero, certainly not a key figure of the Central Coast Mariners team that broke Victory hearts in May’s Ninja A-League Grand Final.
But the midfielder boasts an infectious personality and a devoted digital following. They share and celebrate every step of her journey, riding the highs and lows alongside the player, and last weekend was a definite high point.
Speaking to melbournevictory.com.au, Ray talked through the moments leading up to her introduction and detailed what supporters mean to her, both on matchday and in the online space.
“It was a very special feeling, first time stepping on the field for Victory. This club feels like it’s something incredible. Jeff has done an incredible job to make this team one of the best in Australia. It was very surreal after having seven months out, my last game was against Victory in the Grand Final, and it’s a privilege to step on the field wearing these colours. I’m so stoked to be back.
“I could hear them chanting my name and stuff. I think football’s so much more about the fans and the community you can build – that’s what helps grow our game so much.
“And for me, I’m a very social, bubbly, goofy person, and I love interacting with the fans after games, getting photos, because as much as it makes their entire day, it also makes mine. So, being able to bring a smile to their face, I think that’s what makes the game so much more passionate and special to me. It makes me love the sport even more.
“I thank them so much. It made me feel like Victory was my home, the first step on that field I took today, and I’m really glad I could come into the season and just know I have that backing from them.”
Ray joined Victory at the start of September, arriving in Victoria armed with a CV that boasts four A-League Championships and a hat-trick of Premierships, as well as experience with the Matildas.
She spent seven years at Sydney FC and a single but successful season at the Mariners before the Queenslander completed an off-season switch to Melbourne.
At the Home of the Matildas, both during the week and on home match days, she is under the tutelage of the A-League Women’s most successful coach, Jeff Hopkins, and Ray provided the lowdown on the Head Coach’s expert player management.
“I’ve known Jeff for years, since being a part of the league. After every game, I shake his hand, we have a bit of a conversation, and sometimes things just work out to be for the best. I feel like this time around, it was my time.
“He’s more of a caring person, and how you are as a person first, before the player. And I think that’s what attracts so many girls to Victory, because at the end of the day, if you can have that trust in a coach, and they can see you for more than just a player on the field, then you can build chemistry with him and all the other girls. That’s why we value and look up to him so much as a role model.”
After completing the final 18 minutes versus the Glory at the weekend, Ray is now ready to kick on as the season, which includes five December fixtures, gathers real speed.
This festive schedule begins with the hosting of Canberra United on Friday, December 5, kick-off 7:35pm AEDT, ahead of an AAMI Park double header against Adelaide United in the Original Rivalry the following weekend.
Ray explained her aims for the next few weeks and took a peek into the future.
“Coming back from this injury, it’s all about managing my load and increasing that slowly. Over the next few weeks, it’s just going to be building those minutes, which I’m really excited to do, because at the end of the day, you sometimes need to be thrown onto the field to get back to your 100%.
“Of course, the goal is to be that 90-minute kind of player. I’m hungry to win again. Victory has such a great reputation, and the depth of players we have, it’s going to be really competitive to play each week, so I need to earn my spot. I just want to keep pushing forward and hopefully bring some silverware.”
