As we approach the pivotal second legs of this weekend’s Ninja A-League semi-finals, aleagues.com.au had a chat with Melbourne Victory forward Holly Furphy.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the term ‘Furphy’ is defined as: “A rumour or story, particularly one that is false or ridiculous.”
However, when it comes to the tale of Holly Furphy from Melbourne Victory, there’s an undeniable truth in it, even if some aspects appear almost fantastical given her remarkable skills.
Her journey is a testament to hard work and determination, having navigated numerous challenges in the pursuit of her aspirations.
“Sure, there were days that were incredibly tough, but I can’t say I’ve ever thought, ‘I want to give this up,’” Furphy shared in an interview with aleagues.com.au following a training session.
“I’m passionate about the game, and it’s what I want to dedicate my life to. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even if I couldn’t play professionally, I’d still be involved in amateur leagues or anything I could get my hands on.”
Starting out as a train-on player at Melbourne Victory, where she trained alongside talents like Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross, Furphy’s breakthrough in the Ninja A-League could have materialised earlier.
Although she contemplated a switch to the Western Sydney Wanderers, the now 22-year-old ultimately made the decision to pursue an environmental science degree at Santa Clara University in California, where she also had the opportunity to compete in college soccer.
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However, just as she was finding her rhythm in the US, she faced the dreaded three letters that athletes fear the most: ACL.
“The experiences I had during college, particularly with my ACL injury, marked a significant turning point in my career,” reflected Furphy.
“I think I can attribute a lot of what I’ve learned to that experience, which has ultimately prepared me for this league.
“Now, I truly cherish every match and play each one like it could be my last, as I understand it can be taken away at any moment.”
“That mindset has significantly aided me. When I stepped onto the pitch for my first game back, I thought, ‘I have nothing to lose,’ so I just aimed to enjoy myself and hopefully achieve a positive outcome.”
After making a swift recovery from her injury within ten months, Furphy was eager to make her presence felt, but the path was not without its complications.
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“Rehabilitating was agonising, watching others compete while I was on the sidelines. I was merely marking the days until I could return. Even after making my comeback, I encountered persistent challenges as I approached my first full season back.
“I dealt with quite a bit of pain, but I kept telling myself, ‘I love this sport too much; I need to find a way to perform at my best.’
“The lengthy rehab process spurred my motivation each day. With every opportunity I lost, I was driven to push forward. The feeling of being back on the pitch in peak health made all the struggles worthwhile.”
“Even this season, joining Victory felt like a milestone, that I had conquered a significant obstacle in my career.”
Now back to full fitness and raring to go, nothing seems to be able to slow her down.
Initially brought in as a substitute for Paige Zois, Furphy made an immediate impact, scoring a mere 11 minutes into her debut against Sydney FC, and netting three goals in her first six games in the Ninja A-League.
As is often the case for those with a knack for scoring, accolades soon followed, with many predicting the 22-year-old rookie as a future Matilda.
“I remember hearing those mentions of me potentially getting a call-up,” Furphy reminisced with a smile.
“It feels surreal because being a Matilda has always been my dream; just being considered for that is unbelievable.”
“It’s all a bit of a pinch-me moment. Every match feels like a dream come true. I’m just grateful to be healthy and able to play this beautiful sport I adore. I’m determined to make that dream of representing the Matildas a reality.”
While the aspiration to don the Matildas jersey is a dream in progress, of immediate importance for Furphy and her Victory teammates is the looming semi-final clash against Adelaide United this weekend.
With a lead of 3-1 going into the second leg, Furphy hopes to contribute at the Home of the Matildas as Victory seeks to secure their place in the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
“Historical results against them indicate that while they pose a challenge, we understand how to approach it and find the right strategies,” she stated. “We’re heading into this match with a solid level of confidence, knowing it will be demanding.”
“I’m fully aware that Adelaide will give it their all, but I firmly believe we can achieve the desired outcome.”
Some might interpret her confidence as arrogance; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Furphy’s faith in her team’s ability to deliver stems from the fact that Jeff Hopkins’ squad is in exceptional form and showing no signs of slowing down.
Moreover, had Melbourne City’s undefeated streak through the Ninja A-League season not occurred, there would be even more talk surrounding Melbourne Victory’s current momentum.
“We approach every match as if it’s our last, essentially. We go in with the mindset to give everything we’ve got, and that attitude is what is helping us succeed. We are adept at battling through difficult matches, even if we lead by just a single goal, we recognise how critical that is and continue to fight.”
“Since I joined, I’ve noticed an incredible amount of determination and resilience in those challenging final minutes of a game.”
“You can see the dedication in everyone, and our collective mindset is fantastic, which I believe will serve us well as we head into the finals.”
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This weekend, Furphy’s keen supporters will include two influential figures in her burgeoning career, who themselves know all about high-pressure situations.
Her elder brother Joe has played in the AFL with the Geelong Cats, while her younger brother Johnny is currently competing in the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals with the Indiana Pacers. With both parents possessing distinguished sporting backgrounds, it’s clear that an athletic legacy runs deep in the Furphy family.
“I think one reason I gravitated towards soccer is that I knew my brothers would outgrow me height-wise, so I thought, ‘If I can’t be taller, I’d better excel at something I could outshine them in!’”
“As we all transition into professional life, it’s been incredibly beneficial. We rely on each other for support, sharing insights and experiences. It’s great to have siblings who can relate to the pressure and demands of high-level competition.”
“Even though Johnny is immersed in a different world from my older brother and me, we still engage in discussions about training and performance, understanding the constant pressure to perform and being in the public eye.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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