Matildas captain Sam Kerr has scored her first Women's Super League hat-trick for Chelsea before injuring herself while celebrating the milestone.
The Aussie goal-scorer gave fans a show as the league welcomed crowds back for the first time since the start of the global pandemic, scoring a treble to see off West Ham 3-2.
But in a bizarre twist of fate, Kerr's afternoon would end on a sour note when she injured herself while attempting to celebrate her decisive goal.
The 27-year-old collected the ball on the 18-yard box before slotting away comfortably inside six-yards after a quick give-and-go with her winger.
As she ran off to celebrate, Kerr turned at speed into her defender with both players immediately clinching their sides as the Aussie went to ground.
She required treatment after hobbling off the field with an apparent hip injury.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hoped Kerr would be available for Champions League midweek action
"I don't know what the situation is with Sam's injury," she said.
"In terms of the hat-trick, I want to talk about the amount of running players are doing around her to help with that, especially Beth England who made a lot of selfless decisions today, and the same with Fran (Kirby) who made just as many selfless decisions."
Kerr was seen at full-time smiling as she was congratulated by her teammates.
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