Sam Kerr's heartwarming family gesture at Matildas match revealed

Aussie football fans were finally able to see Matildas captain Sam Kerr unshackled during the Olympic qualifiers in Australia, with one small detail showing how glad Kerr was to be home.

After a slow start against Iran, the Matildas belted The Philippines [8-0] and Chinese Taipei [3-0] in their qualifying matches at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Kerr was able to unleash herself against those three sides after sitting out most of the FIFA Women's World Cup because of dual calf injuries.

She especially shone in the Philippines match, with the Chelsea star hammering home a hattrick to the delight of the sold out crowd.

However the most heartwarming moment came when she entered the pitch.

Kerr, a Perth local, strode out onto the pitch holding hands with two beaming young girls.

It can now be revealed those girls are her beloved nieces who got to enjoy the limelight with their famous aunt.

Kerr has three nieces in Perth that are her brother Daniel Kerr's children, Lola (12), Ruby (10) and Luka (6).

Daniel Kerr was jailed for two years after setting fire to his parents’ home in Kardinya in May this year.

Daniel Kerr played 220 AFL matches for the West Coast Eagles and has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia while jailed.

As Sam departed Australia, she also decided to prank one of her teammates for a second time this tour in hilarious fashion.

After the Chelsea star arrived in Australia ahead of the qualifiers wearing a t-shirt with a tribute to teammate Mackenzie Arnold, Kerr decided to leave the country in the same way.

The pair travelled from the United Kingdom together after playing in the Women's Super League (WSL) for Chelsea and West Ham respectively.