Vine Time Immortalised: Cortnee Vine’s Historic Penalty Honoured in Bronze

Peninsula Power FC standout Cortnee Vine has been forever etched into Australian sporting history with a stunning new mural at Suncorp Stadium alongside the Matildas. Unveiled on Tuesday, the artwork celebrates the team’s unprecedented success and their impact on Australian sport.


Read: From Civic Hub to Legal Centre: The Evolution of Redcliffe’s Historic Chambers


Cortnee Vine, Matildas immortalised

Located at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the 5.5m-long and 2.1m-wide bronze bas-relief depicts one of the most significant moments in Australian soccer history. The mural captures the Matildas’ jubilant celebration following Cortnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France, the moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.

Matildas star Tameka Yallop expressed her appreciation for the tribute. “It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.

“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”

From Redcliffe to the world stage

Cortnee Vine’s rise from Redcliffe to World Cup stardom has inspired young athletes across the region. Following her World Cup heroics Vine returned to Sydney FC for a fourth season, where she dominated with 10 goals and 6 assists. Averaging 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes, she quickly caught the attention of international scouts.

In June, Vine secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking her debut on the international club stage. Her impact was immediate; she scored her first NWSL goal during her Courage home debut on 1 September, helping secure a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.


Read: Ambitious 9-Storey Development Proposed for Alfred Street at Woody Point


Inspiring future generations

This mural complements the existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.

It represents a significant step towards greater recognition of women’s contributions to Australian sport. For generations to come, the mural will inspire young athletes to dream big and chase their goals, just like Cortnee.

Published 27-September-2024

Matildas vs Germany: Cortnee Vine Debuts in the Olympics as Tillies Face Setback

Former Redcliffe PCYC standout Cortnee Vine made her Olympic debut for the Matildas in their Paris 2024 opening match on Friday, 26 July. Despite Vine’s 58-minute contribution, Matildas vs Germany finished 0-3 at Marseille Stadium. Redcliffe State High School alumna Teagan Micah was also on the bench for the match.

Read: Jetty2Jetty Becomes Journey of Hope: Widow Honours Organ Donor Husband

Matildas vs Germany

Germany’s victory came through goals from Marina Hegering (24’), Lea Schuller (64’), and Jule Brand (68’). The German side demonstrated a solid set-piece strategy, limiting the Matildas’ opportunities throughout the match and scoring two of their own via corners.

Despite equal possession, Germany outshot Australia significantly, putting 4 of 17 attempts on target compared to the Tillies’ 2 of 8.

Redcliffe PCYC’s Cortnee Vine featured in the match, playing for 58 minutes before being substituted. The Victoria-born winger, who recently secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, showed flashes of the form that saw her contribute 10 goals and 6 assists for Sydney FC last season—averaging a whopping 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Teagan Micah sat behind Matildas regular Mackenzie Arnold. The Redcliffe State High School alumna is fresh off a season with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League where she maintained three clean sheets in seven appearances.

Olympics outlook

The 3-0 loss places Australia in a challenging position early in the tournament. Australia’s next match is on Monday, 29 July against Zambia, followed by their final group stage game against the powerhouse USA on Thursday, 1 August. Both matches are scheduled at 3:00 a.m. AEST.

Read: Bicentennial Milestone of Redcliffe: A Legacy of Exploration and Discovery

The top two teams in each of the three groups alongside the two best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts. Given this format, goal difference could prove crucial in determining the final group standings.

Published 26-July-2024

Local Youth Star and World Cup Heroine Cortnee Vine Stays Loyal to Domestic Football

The incredible journey of Cortnee Vine has taken her from the youth ranks of Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC to World Cup stardom. But despite her international fame at this year’s World Cup, the local junior star has decided to remain with Sydney FC and continue to promote the domestic game.



Humble beginnings with Peninsula Power FC

Long before she became a national heroine, Cortnee Vine was just an eager young player developing her skills at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC. Vine first joined the club as a 12-year-old in 2010, playing for coach Garry Dye’s U-12 girls’ side.

Dye recalls that the lanky Vine arrived blessed with great athleticism but little technical prowess. Her blistering pace, however, stood out. Dye worked to hone her skills and she soon became one of the youth team’s top strikers. Vine often played against boys’ teams in higher divisions to test herself.

World Cup journey

Cortnee Vine
Cortnee Vine scored the decisive penalty that sent Australia to a historic semi-final berth in the World Cup. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Vine’s dedication and constant improvement paid off, eventually earning her selection for the Matildas. Earlier this year, she led her professional club Sydney FC to the A-League championship with 15 goal contributions in 18 games.

After being named in Australia’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vine started the opening matches, bringing her trademark speed and finishing ability to the Matildas attack. However, a defeat to Nigeria in the group stage prompted head coach Tony Gustavsson to change tactics and switch formations. As a result, Vine lost her place in the first XI.

But the team player embraced her new role as a super-sub. Coming on as a substitute against the likes of Denmark and Canada, Vine provided fresh legs and energy . This team-first mentality was rewarded in the tense quarter-final against France – with her scoring the decisive penalty to send Australia to their first Women’s World Cup semi-final. Her composure in the high-stakes moment showed her maturity on the world stage.

The journey may have ended in the semis, but Vine left her mark on the tournament. For the girl who started out chasing a ball in Redcliffe, it has been a long but rewarding road to World Cup glory.



Cortnee Vine returns to Sydney FC

Despite gaining recognition that could open doors at elite European clubs, Cortnee Vine has re-signed with Sydney FC for a fourth consecutive season. The Matildas’ run has already had an impact on membership, with Sydney FC’s women’s team enjoying record sales. The World Cup buzz has fans eager to see the World Cup heroine back on home soil.

Keeping such a prominent talent in the Australian league is an important step in energising the domestic game. The effects of an invigorating World Cup are already being felt, but Vine’s star power will help keep the momentum going next season.

Published 31 August 2023