What they have endured - and subsequently achieved - in the past two years will long be remembered, appreciated, and ensure future generations of players are rewarded into the future.

Across the course of 2021, with so much global uncertainty, and anxiousness around the state of the game in Australia, the players rolled up their sleeves and not only got on with the job but demonstrated incredible leadership in driving positive outcomes for their game.

It’s truly amazing to pause and reflect on what our players achieved after such a tumultuous and uncertain period.

They stood up for what mattered most to them and used their voice to make positive impact.

On the pitch, whether it was completing the 2020/21 domestic league season that required a range of demands on the players, the Socceroos embarking on a record-breaking World Cup Qualifying or the Matildas returning to Australia to lift the spirits of Australians, the players inspired and showed courage and leadership.

In response to COVID, the players overwhelmingly complied with incredibly strict protocols and have made significant sacrifices since the beginning of the pandemic to ensure the industry can continue to operate and to protect public health.

Off the pitch, the players were instrumental in changing and shaping the game for the better through a collective agreement for the A-Leagues that has delivered security, stability and a more professional working environment for male and female footballers.

Just 12 months ago, such a conclusion was unthinkable.

But the players’ collective desire to keep pushing, fighting for one another to improve and preserve our game, was central to new agreements.

What was incredibly pleasing was the number of players who were vocal and ready to stand up for their profession and showed a collective desire to improve our game. So many had the opportunity to voice their opinions and it was great that their voices and ideas were heard and shared at the negotiating table.

What is clear is that the players’ voice has never been more important in shaping and building our game.

Our players no longer want to sit on the side-lines when it comes to decisions that impact our profession. We want to be – and should be – central to decision-making.

Our voices have never been more powerful and impactful.

Whether it is players speaking up about harassment and abuse in our sport, or bravely sharing their sexuality like Andy Brennan and Josh Cavallo have, or speaking out about social issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, human rights abuses in football and climate change, players have the power to make great change to our sport – and society.

When players use their voice and stand up for what’s best and what’s right, inevitably both our game, the players and society is better off.