Pearl Slattery

I think every year when we play at Shells, we're always excited for a new season.

Obviously a new manager in, a good mix of experience, new faces and youth in the squad now.

So look,

A few more hard works or weeks of pre-season now to come and I'm really excited to get going.

yeah i suppose the way i look at it is i always find the end of season i wouldn't make a decision then it's fine to see how i feel but i never felt like i was going to retire to be honest i just don't feel the body stare yeah no one will have to tell me when to retire i know myself you know but look i've got a lot of advice from you know family i know a lot of people in the game over the years they've always told me play as long as you can nothing will ever match it and i know to be many years i'll be sitting in a stand they're involved some capacity wishing i was out on the pitch back in the dressing room with the girls so

Yeah, I'm going to play as long as I can.

I love every minute of it.

I still love it as if it's my fourth season.

The club, the girls, a big part of my identity the last decade really.

Real privilege to captain the club for so long.

And I suppose up to people don't see.

More so, I'm always getting asked, last year are you going to retire?

You're dedicated, you're putting the work in the off-season, you look after yourself.

Those are the things people don't see, the gym sessions, the recovery, to be able to play as long as you can, I suppose.

I know a lot of people over the years, their career's been cut short with injuries and stuff, so I feel very grateful that I've been able to play for as long as I can at this level.

It's hard work at times, but as I said, I love it.

Yeah, I suppose you do.

Look, Hans is one of those OGs around the league as well, probably in and around my decade, if you like.

And Hans is probably a different position than me in midfield, so I'm sure she would have to adjust her game in whatever way they play.

But, I mean, just work hard, make sure the body's right.