Janice Stott (Stotty) first represented Western Australia in 1978 (at just 16 years of age) alongside some very prolific Australian players, such as Sharon Loveless (Mateljan), Teresa Varadi, Sandra Brentnall and Julie Clayton (Gorton), who although themselves very young footballers, were capped for Australia that same year. Stotty’s game was well known for her strength and timing in a tackle and excellent positioning.
Gaining two more Western Australian caps in 1981 and at a home Championship in Perth in 1983, Stotty put in a solid performance in defence and was selected for Australia, playing in the 1983 Australian tour of Hawaii.
In October 2023, at Optus Stadium, Perth, in front of 50,000 people watching the Matildas convincingly defeat the Philippines in their Paris 2024 Olympics qualifying campaign, Stotty was recognised with a Matildas cap 40 years after representing Australia. She was presented the cap by Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, receiving her cap along with Matildas ‘Alumni’ Lizzy Claydon, Sara King and Maria Hull (Doyle).
In November 2023, Stotty’s Ascot club team, reunited after 50 years. Ascot was the breeding ground for the likes of Jude Pettitt, Julie Clayton and Sharon Loveless in their teen years, so there was plenty of great role models for a young Janice Stott to learn her trade. Later to become a Football West Life Member for his service to the local West Australian football community, then Ascot Coach, John O’Connell was a major influence on the young Ascot side.
Original article submitted to and published by Perth Now (on line Western Australian digital newspaper) by journalist Ben Smith:
Photo of the Capping ceremony courtesy of Football Australia. Stotty is far right.
Photo of WA State Team thanks to Peter Dimopoulos, now in the Penny Tanner archive.
