Collingwood coach Craig McRae has used Matildas hero Mackenzie Arnold's legendary penalty shootout performance as a lesson in resilience for his Magpies.
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As Australia's women's soccer team inspires a nation in their extraordinary World Cup run, McRae has drawn on the instantly-iconic performance by Arnold against France.
The Matildas goalkeeper made three saves and missed a penalty herself in the 20-penalty shootout on Saturday night, helping Australia prevail in a heart-stopping quarter-final.
McRae said it had been impossible not to get caught up in Matildas fever and the coach in him recognised teaching moments within the game at Suncorp Stadium.
"We showed some of that penalty shootout to our players," McRae said on Wednesday.
"Arnold's ability to just let some stuff go; she missed a penalty and then she steps up and saves the next two.
"It's just incredible ability to stay in the moment and we can learn a lot from them.
"They put on a great show. The fans watching, watch for reasons."
Collingwood can seal the AFL minor premiership if they defeat the Brisbane Lions on Friday night in a top-of-the-table blockbuster match at Marvel Stadium.
The Magpies are favourites to claim their first AFL premiership since 2010, just two years after the club finished 17th - second-last on the ladder.
Australian Associated Press
