Above: Tash Prior and Tom Sermanni at the squad announcement. Image: Daniel Rodriguez provided by Football Australia.
By Genevieve Henry (25/3/25).
Interim Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni has named the 23-player squad set to face Korea Republic in a series of friendlies in early April. “The key thing for us is to get the confidence back in the team and get a bit of the swagger back.”
In a squad that remains largely unchanged from a disappointing SheBelieves Cup, the major piece of news is the absence of Sam Kerr. While Kerr seemed to be nearing her return to play, she was not fit to play for Chelsea before the squad announcement and therefore unable to play for Australia.
“Sam’s still making a comeback from her knee operation a year and a bit ago,” Sermanni shared. “She’s not been fully cleared yet by Chelsea. She’s on the mend and she’s not too far off, so her first priority is to get her on the field with Chelsea and then hopefully she’ll be available for selection for the Matildas.”
Defenders Courtney Nevin and Jamilla Rankin return to the squad after absences after impressing for their respective clubs. They add depth to the left side of defence, begging the Steph Catley at Centre Back question. Clare Wheeler also makes her return to international football following an injury that kept sidelined the last two windows.
“This squad selection is about achieving the right balance – reintegrating players returning from injury and rewarding those who have been playing consistently well in clubland,” Sermanni said. “It’s important to create continuity while also bringing in players who have earned their place through strong performances.”
As Korea Republic are also already qualified for the Asian Cup, both sides will be looking to experiment with and solidify tactics and teams. One of Australia’s most menacing Asian opponents, Korea Republic will be no pushovers and will force the Matildas to do their tinkering under significant pressure.
With Sermanni still at the helm for an unspecified amount of time, the full-time coach will have very little time to prepare for the Asian Cup. But, he is doing his best to work with the team and progress them towards their goals. “Every match leading into the Asian Cup is an opportunity to fine-tune our approach, build cohesion, and ensure we are performing at the level required to take on Asia’s best during next year’s tournament.”
“We are fortunate to have a core group of players competing at the highest levels, whether it’s in the UEFA Women’s Champions League or major domestic competitions. Their ongoing exposure to high-pressure environments is invaluable as we prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing we still have plenty of details to work on heading into next year’s Asian Cup.”
Alongside many of the European-based players, the squad is sprinkled with A-League Women talents, especially the in-form Holly McNamara. This window is vital for her to cement her spot in the attack before Kerr returns. Another star still on home soil is Tash Prior, who joined Sermanni at the squad announcement.
Prior said the experience of playing with some of the current Matildas superstars “hasn’t really sunk in yet.” She explained, “when we’re in a team talk, I’m looking around going “oh my god” at players that I looked up to for so long. It’s my third camp, so I feel settled but I’m still at a ‘pinch me’ state.”
When she got the call that she would once again be in the squad, she got some special motherly advice. “Mum’s message to me was, ‘go in, play strong, and keep your spot’ basically. The upcoming games are just another chance for me to prove myself.”
“Hopefully I can make my way into the starting spot, but any minutes at this stage I’m thankful for,” Prior explained. Although still one of the least experienced members of the squad, Prior brings her calm presence and commanding skills to an area of current uncertainty for the Matildas; the centre of defence.
The Matildas face Korea Republic on April 4th at Allianz Stadium in Sydney and on April 7th at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Matildas Squad List
Mackenzie Arnold
Ellie Carpenter (VC)
Steph Catley (C)
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Caitlin Foord
Mary Fowler
Katrina Gorry
Charli Grant
Winonah Heatley
Michelle Heyman
Clare Hunt
Alanna Kennedy
Chloe Lincoln
Holly McNamara
Teagan Micah
Courtney Nevin
Natasha Prior
Jamilla Rankin
Hayley Raso
Kaitlyn Torpey
Emily Van Egmond (VC)
Clare Wheeler
Tameka Yallop
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