by Isabelle Campbell (27/5/25)
Above: Amy Sayer (facing camera) celebrates a Matildas goal. The Kristianstads player is a welcome returnee to the Australia squad after completing her rehab from an ACL injury. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.
After nearly a year on the sidelines, Amy Sayer is back in green and gold and ready to make up for lost time. Speaking to the media today, the midfielder said she’s feeling good physically and looks forward to playing for her country again.
“It’s really good, I’ve been back playing with my team in Sweden. Everything’s intact, so that’s the best I can hope for.”
The road back wasn’t easy. Sayer described the grind of ACL rehab as a serious test of resilience.
“It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Lots of ups and downs. But I think it really showed how much I can just hunker down and be single-mindedly focused on one task.
“I was in the gym, four plus hours a day, twice a day, and I think that’s what has helped me come back so quickly. I came back 11 months after my surgery, so it was a lot of mental focus and a lot of physical endurance as well.”
Despite the grueling task of rehabbing such an intense injury, Sayer believes she’s returned better than ever, both physically and mentally.
“I think I’ve come back as a stronger player than ever before and more well-rounded, I would say. The knee is never going to be the same, especially being cut open in six or more places, but I think I’ve done the best that I can, and it feels really great.”
Her call-up to the national team came sooner than expected, but it was a welcome surprise.
“I’ve only been playing back for about a month. I’ve only just hit my limit of 90 minutes on the weekend, so it was a surprise I wasn’t really expecting. I was more aiming and hoping for the June window, but any call-up to the national team is incredible, and I’m so grateful to be here.”
Sayer had been building real momentum before the injury, scoring her first international goal and growing into her role. Just a month into her return to play, she’s already making an impact.
“I’ve scored two goals so far since being back, which I think is a better record than last season in less games. So I think, like I said, I’ve come back even stronger and more motivated than ever before.”
The two goals include a confidence-boosting strike in her last match for Kristianstads before joining the camp.
“It was against Hammerby, who were top of the table, so it’s very confidence-building coming into this camp. You know, I don’t score many goals as a midfielder, but it’s a goal to score more, ironically.”
With some senior midfielders out this window, Sayer may get a real opportunity to contribute, and she’s up for it.
“Ideally, I’d like to be in the attacking midfield position because that’s my specialty, but I’m confident to play anywhere. Anywhere that Tom and the rest of the staff are willing to put me on, I just want to be on the field, get another cap and try and, you know, impress the Australian fans.”
She also welcomed the challenge of a matchup with Argentina, a side she believes will give the team a real test.
“I think it’ll be a really good challenge for us. I think it’ll test some of the limits and the areas of our game that we need to work on, or at least it’ll showcase some things that need to be tightened up as the next coach comes in.”
Kahli Johnson: I want to show what I’ve learned
The newest addition to the Matildas camp has arrived with quiet confidence and a clear hunger to grow. After a strong stint with Western United and a recent move to Canada, 21-year-old Kahli Johnson is seizing her first senior national team opportunity with both hands.
“I think I just want to learn and grow as much as I can. Obviously, there’s so much experience in this team, a lot of great players, and I’m really excited just to train with them and get as much as I can out of it.”
She’s also clear on what she hopes to bring to the group.
“I’m just gonna try and play like I normally do, just try and work really hard, go out there and play my game, and kind of show what I’ve learned. But equally, just be really receptive to those around me and try and learn as much as I can.”
Her move to Canada has already started to shape her development in a positive way.
“I went over there to kind of take that next step. It’s a new country, a different culture. I was just really excited to learn from new players and new coaches, and hopefully I’m taking that next step as a player.”
Now, she’s focused on the task ahead, a possible debut against Argentina in this upcoming international series that represents a major step in her career.
“Argentina’s an amazing football nation. They’re very technical, very good on the ball. But I think we have a great style of play and we’ll be able to match it.”
For fans unfamiliar with Johnson’s style, she offered a simple description of her attacking mindset.
“I like to go at people. I like the ball at my feet, but if I get a chance to go in behind, I like to run onto it and see what I can do. I love to play with my teammates and create something, and obviously scoring goals isn’t too bad either.”
Above all, she’s focused on the basics: perform, learn, and do her bit to help the team.
“Any time you get an opportunity like this, it’s kind of a test of whether you can step up and really take it with two hands. I’m just worried about playing my own game and trying to do the best I can for the team. If I can do that, I’ll be happy.”
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