Above: Hayley Raso working hard in training. Photo: via Football Australia.
By Isabelle Campbell (23/10/2025)
Hayley Raso is preparing to reach a monumental milestone in her career – her 100th appearance for the Matildas in their upcoming match against Wales on Saturday. This milestone represents years of dedication, hard work, and resilience, and it holds a special place in her heart.
Reflecting on what this achievement means to her, Raso spoke to the media about the emotional journey she has experienced along the way. She has faced ups and downs, competed in numerous tournaments, and overcome injuries. These moments combining to make this milestone all the more meaningful.
“I’ve been in this team for a long time, so I feel like there’s been a bit of a roller coaster of emotion, ups and downs, been at a lot of tournaments, comeback from injury, and I think when I think about it like that, it’s just really special to have played for this team for so long and to reach such an important milestone.”
For Raso, reaching 100 games is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the strong bond she has with the team itself.
“To be able to do it 100 times for Australia, it’s pretty special. We’re a group who have been together for such a long time. It’s like a family, and I think that representing Australia is the biggest honour in the world.”
As Matildas are preparing for another major tournament on home soil, Raso reminisced on the incredible atmosphere during the World Cup and is eager to experience that again.
“We saw what happened after the World Cup and how Australia took to us and the crowds we got and all of those things after having the World Cup in Australia so we’re hoping to replicate that a little bit.”
“We want to make sure that we’re inspiring Australia, bringing in people, getting all of the fans behind us, and we know that that will take us far in the tournament.”
Since her recent move to Germany to join Eintracht Frankfurt, Raso noted that “it’s taken me a few weeks just to understand the way it works in Germany, but I’m loving it over there. I’ve got a really great team. I’m enjoying the football, so I’ve come in here off a high and I’m feeling really good.”
Photo: via Eintracht Frankfurt
“Life is different. I’m in a really good environment at the moment, so that’s important to me, and one I was chasing. I’ve been very pleasantly impressed with the league and the facility and the clubs.”
Playing regularly across multiple competitions has been one of the major benefits of her move.
“We’ve had a lot of games. We’re playing twice a week, each week. It’s been a really good step for me and a really good move that I needed.”
Although the Matildas have limited camps left before the Asian Cup, Raso feels confident in the coaching staff’s approach and the clarity of the team’s goals.
“We’ve only got a couple of camps and when you think about it, it’s actually very soon, but when you’re in the National team set up, you kind of have to move quickly with your information.”
“We’ve been here a couple of days now, we’ve had a lot of meetings. We’re getting everything across and making sure that everything’s very clear.”
Looking ahead to the match against Wales, Raso says the team is focused on executing the coach’s game plan and making the most of their training sessions.
“Joe has come in and he’s kind of implementing his game plan and the way he wants us to play and what he wants us to do.”
She notes that avoiding travel-related fatigue has allowed for more practice time on the pitch.
“We haven’t lost a number of days flying to Australia with jet lag and those things, so we’re actually able to get a lot more sessions on the grass to prepare.”
As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Raso recognises the responsibility she has to support younger teammates.
“I don’t know at what point I became this experienced player, but I can definitely feel it after being here for so long” Raso said.
“I remember my first days coming in and trying to find my feet and it being difficult going into the national team set up for the first time. Because it’s such a big jump.”
As Raso prepares to take to the field for her 100th game in the green and gold, she carries the pride of a long journey and the determination to continue representing her country with passion and commitment.
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