1. She has 105 caps and counting...
Katrina Gorry is vastly experienced at international level, having played over 100 times for Australia, including at the 2023 World Cup, where she helped her country to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time.
Indeed, it all began at international level for Gorry back in 2012, where she made her debut against then-world-champions, Japan. Since then, she has appeared in a staggering six major tournaments - three FIFA Women’s World Cups, two Asian Cups, as well as an Olympic Games.
That experience will prove invaluable for the Irons in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
2. 'Mini' - where her nickname comes from
Standing at 5’1 (or 155cm), you could be forgiven for thinking that Gorry might struggle in the physical battles that ensue in the women’s game. For what the midfielder may lack in height, she more than makes up for in tenacity, though!
At last summer's World Cup, Gorry made the highest number of tackles at the tournament, as well as covering the most ground of any player. That energy will be a welcome addition for the Hammers as they look to climb the table in 2024.
Gorry revealed how her nickname of 'Mini' came to be on Iron Cast: "I've had the nickname since I was about 12 because I just never grew. Everyone talks about having a growth spurt, and I never had my own!
"It's something that has stuck with me since then. My parents call me 'Mini' and so do the rest of my family, so the West Ham fans can call me it too!"
3. Reuniting with Macca
Gorry’s move to east London means that West Ham United have two Australia internationals on the books!
Hammers captain Mackenzie Arnold is one of the longest serving players in the squad, having joined in the summer of 2020, and she is now joined by her compatriot.
The duo have played club football together previously at Brisbane Roar, and Gorry spoke about the relationship that the pair have and how Arnold helped to convince her that West Ham would be the right place for her.
"There were a few questions that I asked Macca and a couple of other that had been at the Club before, and they all spoke highly," she told Iron Cast. "I think you can see with Macca how much her game has progressed over the last couple of years here. I think that shows what this Club can do for players.
"There's no better place for me to play and I feel as though the Club really spoke my language. It's a family Club and I feel as though I've ended up in the right place."
4. England is country number seven
Gorry is certainly well travelled when it comes to her football career. Her arrival in England means that she will have played domestic football in seven different countries when she takes to the field in a couple of weeks time.
Her career has seen her play in her native Australia, as well as spells in Canada, the United States, Japan, Norway and Sweden.
Throughout her career, Gorry has taken advantage of the European summer and Australian winter seasons, allowing her to play throughout the calendar year.
Most of those winter seasons were spent in her home city with Brisbane Roar, where she notched up well over 100 appearances in 12 seasons. In total, Gorry has played more than 220 competitive matches.
5. Her daughter Harper is a little star!
Katrina Gorry arrives in east London with her two-year-old daughter Harper, who was born in August 2021.
Harper effectively became the 24th member of the Matildas during the World Cup, as the adorable morale booster and little mascot was seen at the centre of celebrations as her Mum and teammates made history by finishing fourth on home turf.
Gorry was joined by Harper as she completed her media duties ahead of the announcement of her signing for the Hammers, making for some adorable photos!
6. Impressive individual recognition
Katrina Gorry has also received to brilliant individual awards and nominations.
In 2014, Gorry won Asia’s Footballer of the Year award for fantastic performance that saw her help Australia to the Women's Asian Cup final.
More recently, the midfielder was nominated for Sweden’s Citizen of the Year in 2023 for her performances in the World Cup, which helped to bring attention to the Hässleholm region in Sweden, as well as her former club Vittsjö GIK.
7. She loves a long shot!
Whilst we hve already established that Gorry is going to add plenty of legs and mobility to the West Ham United midfield, did you also know she has scored plenty of goals during her 15-year professional career?
Gorry has scored over 40 times, including a number of long-range efforts from outside the area. In February 2023, Gorry scored a stunning effort for the Matildas in a 3-0 win against Jamaica in the Cup of Nations.
We all hope that habit something West Ham fans could be accustomed to seeing regularly in the WSL!
