Sport - Australian women go pro on back of investment boom

Sam Kerr (L) of Australia celebrates her goal with Caitlin Foord during the first match of the two-match International Series between Australia's Matildas and Brazil in Sydney, Australia, September 16, 2017. Picture taken September 16, 2017. AAP/Dean Lewins/via REUTERS.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Lisa De Vanna once had to wash her sports bras in the sinks of cheap hotels to save money but the footballer is now relishing the good times as a surge of investment transforms women's professional sport in Australia.

Over the last few months, De Vanna and her team mates in the 'Matildas' national soccer team have become the toast of the nation, playing to bumper home crowds even as their male counterparts struggle to qualify for the World Cup.