Above: The Matildas group are coming back together later this month. Photo: Football Australia.
Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson today announced the finalised 25‑player squad to take on the Republic of Ireland on 22 September 2021 at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.
The September training camp and international friendly marks the beginning of a new international cycle that will include the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, a home FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Gustavsson and his coaching team have already commenced the work of setting the foundations for the next three years.
“While there were many aspects of our Tokyo campaign that we were proud of, I share the strong sentiment of the playing group that there is still unfinished business,” said Gustavsson.
“It is what makes our whole team extremely motivated and energised for the next phase of this journey towards the World Cup. We have analysed our performances and have some great insights for us to work with.”
“However, as we keep working to improve all areas of our game, we will ensure that our aggressive pressing game and our attacking mindset will always remain at the heart of who we are.”
For the training camp and international friendly match against the Republic of Ireland, 18 players from the Tokyo campaign will return. A cohort of defenders have been added with Emma Checker and Jenna McCormick recalled, while W-League Championship winning captain Angela Beard, W-League Young Player of the Year nominee Jamilla Rankin and her former Brisbane Roar teammate, Winonah Heatley, have been invited to test themselves in the national team environment.
Midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight and defender Karly Roestbakken will also join the camp in the opening days to undergo assessment from Football Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine team. Meanwhile forward Caitlin Foord will remain in England to continue her rehabilitation from injury.
Gustavsson told the assembled media that his selection was focused around his review of the team’s performance in the Olympic Games where the Matildas finished fourth. He explained the need for a 25 player squad for a single friendly due to wanting the opportunity to look at players who, although may not be ready for international football, are part of the long term plan for 2023 and beyond.
He went on to say: “The next phase presents a fresh start for all players – whether they are plying their trade in Australia, Europe, Asia, the United States or elsewhere. We have a long runway to 2023 and we want to utilise every camp, every match, every moment possible to become one day better.”
“We have previously stated the importance of presenting players with opportunities to experience the national team environment and, with our scouting network, we will look to continue to do so in a measured manner.”
The squad will start to come together over the weekend ahead of next week’s camp.
The match against the Republic of Ireland takes place on Tuesday 21st September local time with a 7pm KO in Dublin. On AEST, kick-off is 4am on Wednesday 22nd September.
Australia squad:
| Name | Position | Club | Caps (goals) |
| Mackenzie Arnold | Goalkeeper | West Ham United | 26 (0) |
| Angela Beard | Defender | Fortuna Hjørring | 0 (0) |
| Ellie Carpenter | Defender | Lyon | 50 (1) |
| Steph Catley | Defender | Arsenal WFC | 91 (3) |
| Emma Checker | Defender | Selfos / Melbourne City | 7 (0) |
| Kyra Cooney-Cross | Midfielder | Melbourne Victory | 9 (0) |
| Mary Fowler | Forward | Montpellier | 15 (2) |
| Emily Gielnik | Forward | Aston Villa | 48 (11) |
| Charlotte Grant | Defender | FC Rosengård | 0 (0) |
| Amy Harrison | Midfielder | PSV Eindhoven | 13 (0) |
| Winonah Heatley | Defender | Växjö | 0 (0) |
| Alanna Kennedy | Defender | Manchester City | 98 (8) |
| Sam Kerr | Forward | Chelsea | 99 (48) |
| Chloe Logarzo | Midfielder | Kansas City | 53 (8) |
| Jenna McCormick | Defender | AGF Fodbold | 4 (0) |
| Teagan Micah | Goalkeeper | FC Rosengård | 7 (0) |
| Courtney Nevin | Defender | Unattached | 3 (0) |
| Clare Polkinghorne | Defender | Vittsjö GIK | 135 (11) |
| Jamilla Rankin | Defender | Brisbane Roar | 0 (0) |
| Hayley Raso | Forward | Manchester City | 56 (6) |
| Kyah Simon | Forward | Tottenham Hotspur | 101 (26) |
| Remy Siemsen | Forward | Sydney FC | 0 (0) |
| Emily van Egmond | Midfielder | Unattached | 108 (23) |
| Lydia Williams | Goalkeeper | Arsenal | 91 (0) |
| Tameka Yallop | Midfielder | West Ham United | 96 (11) |
impetusfootball.org 