The Matildas are now one of the most beloved national teams in Australia. But who were the women and men who helped build and develop the women’s game locally?

Greg Downes profiles 18 people - some well-known in the football fraternity, others not so well-known - who have made contributions, big and small, to help make the women’s game what it is today. ‘Dedicated Lives’ is a living history to be treasured.

Based on his PhD dissertation, Greg has talked with, and interviewed, the individuals at length about what brought them into football and, importantly, what has kept them in it.

At a time when women’s football is riding as high as it has ever been, and with Australia sharing co-hosting responsibilities for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, ‘Dedicated Lives’ is a must-read for anyone interested in football history, women’s football, or women’s sport fighting and winning against the odds generally.