Sam Kerr high-fives Australia’s luckiest toddler and makes a fan’s day for the second

Winners are grinners and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of the victorious Matildas as they took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday.

Fresh off destroying Canada 4-0 in the final group match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup last night, Matildas players including injured skipper Sam Kerr were beaming on their morning stroll.

Kerr was named as a substitute for last night’s booming victory that propelled the Matildas into the round of 16, but was not needed after battling a calf injury all tournament.

In a good sign for Aussie fans, she appeared untroubled by the injury as she walked with teammates and met with fans.

She met with long-term Perth Glory and Matildas supporters and friends Colin and Sarah, who have been supporting the champion since her W-League days and also got to pose for a photo with her as they attended the Canada game on Monday night. 

One lucky family got to have a chat with the Chelsea champion, Kerr smiling and sharing a heart-warming high-five with their young daughter.

Injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr shares a high-five with a young fan as the Aussie team ride the high of their huge win over Canada from the night before in Melbourne

Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, Courtney Nevin and Mary Fowler walk arm-in-arm down the streets of Melbourne

Teagan Micah, Ellie Carpenter and Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley share a laugh and a joke on their team walk

While Kerr was not required last night, fellow striker Mary Forward was a welcome inclusion after missing the Matildas’ shock loss to Nigeria through concussion.

She walked arm-in-arm with teammates Jada Mathyssen-Whyman and Courtney Nevin and also sported a broad smile after banging home a crucial goal last night.

The Matildas are rapidly becoming fan favourites, with a full house of almost 20,000 people cramming into the AAMI Park – rebranded Melbourne Stadium for the tournament – last night.

They were recognised immediately by excited fans this morning as the likes of Ellie Carpenter and stand-in captain Steph Catley soaked up the love.

It was a welcome break for the Matildas squad who have five days before their knockout clash on Monday night in Sydney.

England will play China tonight while Haiti will play Denmark, with the result to determine who their opposition will be.

England, China and Denmark are still alive in the tournament and all will face stern challenges for the Matildas.

It is hoped that Kerr will be fit to play a role in that clash after she was named, but not used against Canada.

Kerr was happy to take photos with adoring fans Colin and Sarah, who have followed her since her days in the W-League

The mood in the Matildas camp was at an all-time high after the Canada match but another huge challenge waits around the corner in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup (pictured, Allana Kennedy with Mackenzie Arnold, right)

Coach Tony Gustavsson revealed after the match that medics had said Kerr should only play restricted minutes if absolutely needed, but with extra time to recover she could potentially play for an extended period or even start in the round of 16.

‘Just because Sam wasn’t on the park doesn’t mean she wasn’t in the team tonight,’ Gustavsson said.

‘The way she leads the team and what she gives to the team off the field as well, not just in the locker room and on the buses, but in the hotel and in the meetings … that is massive leadership.’