Former Matilda’s Captain, and one of Australian Football’s most capped female players, Melissa Barbieri’s journey is a lesson in how being self sufficient and never taking no for an answer can take you to the very top of your chosen profession. Melissa was told early in her career a back injury was going to stop her playing. She did not stop. She simply switched positions. And she succeeded, becoming Captain of the Matilda’s and an on field leader which has helped Melissa’s transition to coaching and mentoring players. In this conversation Melissa reveals how her family and close friends supported and encouraged her through a playing career that included competing at multiple Women’s World Cup’s, the Olympic Games and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Presented by Edward Kemp. To contact Ed, email [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edwardgkemp