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Impetus A-League Women Awards: February 2026

3/3/26

Above: Wellington Phoenix’ Makala Woods (yellow and black stripes) battles with Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna for possession earlier this season. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

Impetus’ team of writers and photographers covering the A-League Women this season have joined together to select their Player, Young Player (aged 21 and under), and Head Coach of the Month for February Here are our choices in each category.

Player of the Month:

Makala Woods (Wellington Phoenix)

by Ben Gilby

What an impact from the 23-year-old American. Arriving early in the New Year on an injury replacement deal, the attacker has proven to be a rumbustious, powerful, and deadly component of the Nix’s push for a first ever Finals qualification.

Woods, who scored 11 goals for the University of Kentucky in the US college system during 2024, and then went on to hit nine goals for Iceland’s Tindastóll in 21 games the following year, has been a stand out performer for Wellington as the team have gone on a run of only two losses in their last 10 matches, and a February that included wins over Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, and saw them earn a dramatic and historic point at Melbourne Victory.

Whilst the American hit the Phoenix’s winning goal at home to Perth Glory and also the late equaliser at Melbourne Victory, she offers her team so much more than potency in the box. Woods is a powerful runner, allied with a physical presence that defenders hate. She also has the experience of playing in defence earlier in her career to further assist the Wellington cause.

Makala Woods is a key part of Wellington’s push for glory as the Finals approach.

Young Player of the Month:

Avaani Prakash (Central Coast Mariners)

by Kieran Yap

Avaani Prakash is an artist, and the last month she has looked like a master at work.

The Young Matildas playmaker is equally effective in space or when needling to battle for the ball, where her tenacity and quick feet allow her to flummox defenders and free teammates.

The Mariners have been slightly inconsistent throughout February, but the youngster has become somewhat of a barometer and has helped keep the team threatening even after the departure of star forward Annelise Rasmussen.

Prakash had been reliable and creative in for The Mariners. Her best individual highlight was a brilliant assist for Tamar Levin against Wellington in Round 17.

Prakash received the ball in midfield, spun between two defenders, exchanged passes with a teammate before sending a perfectly timed, lofted pass to Levin who finished off the move in style.

It was a wonderful goal that required a mix of vision, creativity and technique. Prakash has all of that. She’s an exciting talent, a joy to watch and the country’s best young player in February.

**Above:** Avanni Prakash (yellow shirt) in action for Central Coast Mariners at Melbourne Victory this season. **Photo:** Tilly McDonald for *Impetus*.

Head Coach of the Month:

Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

by Alyce Collett

**Above:** Canberra United’s Antoni Jagarinec continues to lead his side to impressive heights. **Image:** Canberra United.

The only person to win one of our awards more than once this season, Antoni Jagarinec is continuing to keep Canberra United humming along nicely and full steam ahead to what just might be their best season in a decade on the ladder front.

Jagarinec guided Canberra United to three wins out of their four games during the month of February, with their one loss coming in the form of a mere 1-0 to Perth away from home.

Canberra is a mere one win away from equalling the most wins the side has had in a season in at least the last decade (achieved in 2024/25) and things are looking good for those in Green to achieve their highest finish on the ladder since they finished on top in 2016/17.

Jagarinec has established his side into a well oiled machine, from a rock solid Sally James in goals through to the likes of Liz Anton in defence, Hayley Taylor-Young on the wing and the imposing target of Michelle Heyman in attack.

Not only is the side as a whole a well oiled machine, but unlike some sides in the competition Jagarinec has set up a system that generates goals from a wide range of players who play a wide range. For example the top three scorers for Canberra so far this season are Heyman, Josie Aulicino and Sasha Grove.

Impetus A-League Women Monthly Award Winners 2025/26:

PLAYER:

November: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)

December: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

January: Annalise Rasmussen (Central Coast Mariners)

February: Makala Woods (Wellington Phoenix)

YOUNG PLAYER:

November: Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix)

December: Sasha Grove (Canberra United)

January: Ilona Melegh (Adelaide United)

February: Avaani Prakash (Central Coast Mariners)

HEAD COACH:

November: Stephen Hoyle (Newcastle Jets)

December: Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

January: Bev Priestman (Wellington Phoenix)

February: Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

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South Korea score three to kick off Asian Cup campaign

South Korea 3-0 Iran

By Emma Burke 2/3/26

Above: Choe Yu-ri (left) and Fatemeh Shaban. Photo: AFC Asian Cup

South Korea have comfortably opened their account at the Women’s Asian Cup, defeating Iran 3-0 on the Gold Coast with goals scored by Choe Yu-Ri, Kim Hye-Ri, and Ko Yoo-Jin.

Despite what looked like a low crowd number, the fans of both sides made enough noise to make it feel like Gold Coast Stadium was packed to the rafters.

Sitting low with five players in their backline, Iran was able to keep South Korea at bay until the 37th minute, when an injury to Afsaneh Chatrenoor lead to Iran going down a player, opening up space for South Korea.

A beautiful link up between South Korea allowed a shot on goal that then ricocheted off the post for Choe Yu-Ri to collect and put away.

Early in the second half Iran had one of the best chances of the game, when they broke through against the run of play, allowing Fatemeh Pasandideh an opportunity to take a shot on goal, which was unfortunately sent directly at Kim Min-Jung in goal.

South Korea’s second goal came through a penalty, after Melika Motevalli made a poor challenge in the box against Lee Eun-Young.

Kim Hye-Ri converted the spot kick, sending the ball into the bottom right corner, marking only her second goal for her country in 138 appearances.

The final goal of the game came through a set piece play, won for South Korea by substitute Song Jae-Eun in their attacking half.

Delivered in expertly by goal-scorer Kim Hye-Ri, the ball found the head of Ko Yoo-Jin who only needed a glancing touch to it to direct it into the back of the net.

Despite losing 3-0, Iran’s defensive record still stands out, having faced 40 recorded shots.

This result now places South Korea at the top of Group A, and leaves Iran at the bottom due to the number of goals conceded.

South Korea (4-4-2): Kim Min-Jung, Ko Yoo-Jin, Mun Eun-Ju, Ji So-Yun, Choe Yu-Ri, Jung Min-Young, Jang Sel-Gi, Choi Yoo-Jung, Noh Jin-Young, Kim Hye-Ri, Kang Chae-Rim Substitutes: Woo Seo-Bin, Kim Jin-Hui, Park Hye-Jeong, Shin Na-Yeong, Casey Phair, Son Hwa-Yeon, Kim Shin-Ji, Song Jae-Eun, Park Soo-Jeong, Ryu Ji-Soo, Choo Hyo-Joo, Lee Eun-Young, Lee Min-Hwa, Kim Min-Ji

Scorers: Choe Yu-Ri 37′, Kim Hye-Ri 59′, Ko Yoo-Jin 75′

Iran (5-4-1): Yektaei, Imani, Motevalli, Sarbali, Chatrenoor, Behesht, Ghanbari, Amineh, Makhdoumi, Shaban, Jafari Substitutes: Yazdani, Ramezanizadeh, Ahmadizadeh, Pasandideh, Dini, Zolfi, Sadeghi, Tamrian, Didar, Khosravi, Khajavi, Hamoudi, Anbari, Taherkhani

Referee: Veronika Bernatskaia (Kyrgyzstan)

Attendance: 2,874.

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Ferns through to semis after second straight thrashing in World Cup Qualifiers

New Zealand 8-0 Solomon Islands

by Maddison Hagger (2/3/26)

Above: Hannah Blake completes a hat-trick against the Solomon Islands. Photo: OFC Media.

New Zealand is safely through to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers after defeating the Solomon Islands 8-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.

With three goals in the first half and five in the second, New Zealand maintained their domination of never having lost a game against Oceania opposition and sit in the top-spot of Group A. New Zealand’s goals came from Milly Clegg, Indiah-Page Riley, Hannah Blake, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok.

A hat-trick for Blake, a brace for Clegg and four assists by Charlotte Lancaster showed that while footballing levels are improving within Oceania, the gap between New Zealand and the Pacific nations remains insurmountable.

Clegg opened the scoring in the second minute when the ball fell kindly in the box after a Solomon Islands’ defensive mistake. Clegg successfully capitalised with a strike hammered into the top left corner.

The opener was quickly followed with two more first-half goals by Riley and Blake.

In the eighth minute, New Zealand won possession in the midfield and launched a quick counter attack with the ball falling for Riley who beautifully curled it into the far top left corner.

In the 16th minute, a ball over the Solomon Islands’ defensive line found Blake with time and space who brought it under control and launched a strike into the bottom right corner. Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Margaret Kofela got a touch but was unable to keep the ball out.

Facing a steep challenge against Oceania’s dominant side, the Solomon Islands’ coach Daniel Barrett chose to line-up defensively with five players in the back. The host side however lacked players to pass to up front and were unable to properly challenge New Zealand in attack. They did show resilience in defence though, and stifled any further attempts in the first half. Defenders Mesalyn Saepio and Naelyn Metake made multiple blocks to keep New Zealand from extending their lead, who at times were wasteful in finishing.

The Solomon Islands started the second half with greater intensity and successfully frustrated New Zealand by keeping positionally organised and blocking their attacking channels.

In the 57th minute, Ferns’ coach Michael Mayne made three changes with Suya Haering, Michaela Foster and Vlok coming onto the pitch.

Shortly after, Lancaster launched a dangerous cross which was poorly cleared to Jale on the edge of the box. She launched a hammering strike through the middle, increasing the scoreline to four.

Three more goals in the next 15 minutes dampened the Solomon Islands’ lively start and left the players looking tired and defeated.

Blake followed her first goal for New Zealand with two more, completing a hat-trick. 17-year-old Vlok also scored her first international goal by deflecting a shot from Foster into the bottom right corner.

Clegg closed the game off with her second when the Solomon Islands’ defensive line missed a clearance and Clegg was in position to slot the ball into the back of the net, increasing the scoreline to eight.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Santos, Anton, Moore, Stott, Lancaster, Hahn, Jale, Riley, Blake, Kitching, Clegg. Substitutes: Barry, Brown, Bunge, Elliott, Foster, Haering, Jackson, Pijnenburg, Vlok, Wisnewski, Esson, Iro.

Scorers: Clegg 3’ 78’, Riley 8’, Blake 16’ 63’ 70’, Jale 61’, Vlok 72’

SOLOMON ISLANDS (5-3-2): Kofela, Votu, Saepio, Rotoava, Nari, Metake, Anholland, Solosaia, Donga, Pegi, Gogoni. Substitutes: Donga, Paia, Saeni, Ikama, Alele, Sade, Oritaimae, Ellen, Hanigaro, Solo, Ama Lalawa, Aba.

Referee: Gulshoda Saitkulova (Uzbekistan)

Attendance: TBC.

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Matildas win Asian Cup opener but raise questions to ponder in the process

Australia 1-0 Philippines

By Alyce Collett 1/3/2026

Above: The Matildas celebrate after Sam Kerr scored to help Australia to a win over the Philippines tonight. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Australia has started its 2026 Asian Cup with the perfect result, downing the Philippines 1-0 thanks to a first half goal from Sam Kerr.

However despite picking up all three points Australia’s performance has certainly brought plenty of questions to the surface, with an impressive defensive performance from the Philippines making it really hard for Australia to get shots away despite dominating possession.

The Philippines’ defence – lead by captain Hali Long – successfully deployed a low block, which carefully crowded the space in the Matildas’ attacking box to make it hard for the tournament hosts to shoot with any ease.

Eventually the defence did crack though in the 14^th minute, and in a perfectly poetic moment it was the hometown hero in Kerr who scored the opening goal.

After Clare Wheeler beautifully crossed the ball in from the wing, she found Caitlin Foord on the back post who headed it to Kerr who then headed it straight into the back of the net.

Australia continued the attacking pressure after Kerr’s goal, and almost had a second goal at the half hour mark but VAR judged that Hayley Raso had been offside when she scored her goal.

The next best chance for the Matildas’ came with just over five minutes in regulation time of the first half left when Raso won a free kick just outside the 18 yard box, directly in front of goal. However, Steph Catley’s subsequent free kick shot on goal was perfectly saved by a flying Olivia McDaniel in goals, ensuring the Matildas were again denied a second goal for the evening.

Despite as hard as the Matildas were trying to double their advantage before half time, they were ultimately unsuccessful and Kerr’s goal was all that split the teams at the break.

The Matildas had 88% of possession in the first half, but only managed to record five shots (with only two of them on target). This was the result of the way the Philippines had been defending, deploying a compacted defence that really crowded the area directly in front of goal.

Perhaps buoyed by the success of their tactics in the first half, the Philippines continued to defend really strongly in the second half, continuing to make it really hard for the Matildas to get any shots on goal away. As hard as players like Raso and Wheeler were working in generating proper attacking opportunities, their efforts proved to be in vain as the likes of Kerr and Foord were simply outnumbered in the box.

Despite things not quite working in attack, when Matildas’ coach Joe Montemurro did change things up halfway through the second half it was the midfield he changed, seeming to change the formation to a 5-2-3 from the 4-3-3 he had started the match with.

The Matildas continued to struggle to get accurate shots on goal – with a number of long and inaccurate shots coming instead – and as such were unable to further add to their lead they established early in the first half.

Check out Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball for exclusive photography from the vast majority of games during the tournament – including today’s opening game at Optus Stadium by our team of photographers across Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Lincoln, Heatley, Hunt, Wheeler, Catley, Foord, Van Egmond, Raso, Gorry, Kerr, Carpenter. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Nevin, Rankin, Torpey, Fowler, Chidiac, Kennedy, Johnson, Sayer, Heyman, Rule, McNamara, Siemsen.

Scorers: Kerr 14’

PHILIPPINES (4-3-3): O.McDaniel, Cowart, Long, Sawicki, Eggesvik, Frilles, C.McDaniel, Beard, Wunsch, Guillou, Pino. Substitutes: Bradley, Cesar, Oca, Guy, Castaneda, Hawkinson, Curran, Pasion, Markey, Meollo, Carpio, DeFazio, Ramirez, Villapando, McSwigan.

Referee: Dong Fangyu (China)

Attendance: 44,379.

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“We dream of these occasions.” Joe Montemurro and Sam Kerr preview opening match of the 2026 Asian Cup against The Philippines

Above: Joe Montemurro and Sam Kerr speaking to the media. Credit: By The White Line via @Matildas on Instagram.

By Ella McShane (28/2/26)

Tomorrow night, the Matildas take on The Philippines at Perth Stadium for the opening match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Before the infamous West Australian sun goes down on what is set to be a monumental occasion for women’s football in the state, Matilda’s Captain Sam Kerr and head coach Joe Montemurro spoke to the media.

“We dream of these occasions.” Said Montemurro “We are very proud to be hosting the tournament.”

Although almost three years ago, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was an event entirely synonymous with the Matildas. For many, it was the cultural revolution that established everything they associate with the green and gold.

Looking to this tournament, things have changed. From the squad, to coaching staff we are truly at the dawn of a new era of Matildas. Kerr reflected on what 2023 means coming into this tournament on home soil.

“Every year I play in the Matilda’s, the team is getting better,” said Kerr. “They’re last tournament didn’t go the way I wanted, personally, but on a team level it was an amazing tournament.”

“I feel like I am really lucky to be here again on home soil, most people in their career don’t even get to play one tournament at home,” said Kerr. “The fact that we get two opportunities is an incredible honour.”

Kerr is also the only player within the selected squad, who was a part of the historical side that claimed Asian Cup victory in 2010. The hometown hero reflected on what that victory means for the team today.

“I know how much this team wants to win something together, I know how much every player wants to win something for the Matildas.”

“Going in as a dark horse [in 2010], helped us,” said Kerr. “And now with the pressure that the Matildas carry, we’ve tried to not talk about winning. Just talk about one game at a time. That’s what we did in 2010. I know how much everyone wants to win this tournament, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of great teams in our path.”

Tournament veteran Kerr’s main messaging for players participating in their maiden tournament is simple: “Just enjoy yourself. You never know when your opportunity will come and you just have to take it with both hands.”

While the Matildas may be a household name in women’s football, many nations participating in the tournament are a far cry from even having solid development pathways or player resources and infrastructure. Kerr shared her hopes for the future of women’s football in Asia and reflected on how far the Matildas have come in this aspect during her tenure.

“I hope they have the same growth as us,” said Kerr. “When I went to my first Asian Cup, no one expected us to win it. We were considered the dark horses. The games weren’t even live…five Asian Cups ago, that is where Australia was. Fast forward to today and the Matildas are the household name in Australia. I hope for all the other nations they go up in the same trajectory as the Matildas.”

Suspicions have been raised regarding the last line of green and gold defence, with Teagan Micah having to withdraw from the squad earlier in the week and Mackenzie Arnold absent from critical training sessions with less than twenty four hours to go.

“All of them are on individual scenarios to get right,” said Montemurro. “We are monitoring it and we’ve got it in control with our medical staff and we will make some decisions in the next 24 hours. I am still deciding what my starting eleven is going to be.”

The concern extends to the Midfield with key player Kyra Cooney-Cross also absent from critical training sessions. However Montemurro assured that Cooney-Cross’ absence is “all precaution” given tight scheduling between club and national team obligations.

Hometown hero Kerr also detailed what having a home match in Perth means to her as a proud West Australian.

“I crossed every finger and toe for the World Cup to be in Perth. The next best thing is the Asian Cup,” she said. “We have so many West Australian fans that spend so much time and money flying all across the country, to bring a major tournament here is great.”

Australia v The Philippines kicks off at 5pm AWST 1/3 at Optus Stadium in Perth and will be available to stream in 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers.

Klaudia Houlis: Young WA weapon proving talent & hard work pays off

Impetus’ Ben Gilby concludes his series speaking to all three of the Western Australian members of the Australian Schoolgirls squad tour of the UK with this chat with Klaudia Houlis (28/2/26)

Above: Klaudia Houlis in action for the Australian Schoolgirls team during their tour of the UK in January. Photo: Instagram.

Regular NPLW WA watchers have known for several years what a dangerous weapon Klaudia Houlis is. After her final season with the Football West Academy under her belt, the attacker received the ultimate recognition – selection for the Australian Schoolgirls squad.

It was an honour that she couldn’t quite believe at the time. “I have never been so shocked than I was when I heard my name called out!”, Houlis smiled, “After being selected for the Western Australia team, we went to Brisbane and played against the other states. This is where the Australian school girls coach would pick the players as well as a shadow squad in case people can’t go.”

Houlis’ recognises that her place in the squad is an especially strong validation of her footballing talents due to the challenges that Western Australian players may face to be selected for a national squad, as many such squads consist of large cohorts from the east coast of the country.

The attacker said: “I think for WA girls, opportunities like this one are definitely more scarce. Obviously we are an isolated state, but on top of that I think we are highly underestimated as well. I mean when you look at most Australian teams 90% of them are from NSW.”

**Above:** The Australian Schoolgirls squad and Cardiff City players after a match on the UK tour. **Photo:** Emma Heys Facebook.

In terms of building relationships with her interstate teammates, it was a case of having to hit the ground running once the team landed in the UK. “We didn’t really know who we were meeting until we got to the airport. Obviously, we took a photo together when we first got selected but we didn’t know each others names or anything like that.

“The most important thing I learnt whilst being away was how crucial it is to know the people around you before you play with them. Of course our team was at a high level regardless of whether we knew each other or not, but the difference in comfort and confidence when you know who your on the pitch with makes football more enjoyable.”

Despite that early barrier having to be overcome, the squad’s determination and adaptability was shown in spades as they developed a strong understanding in those early training sessions to go on to enjoy an unbeaten tour – which included games against the likes of Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

There was one further, and potentially larger hurdle for the squad to get over. The weather. Whilst the UK is known to be pretty chilly in January, the winter this year over there has been very mild and extremely wet. Except when the team were there. Their stay coincided with the UK’s only severe cold spell of their winter.

It was an experience that Houlis looks back on ruefully. “It was such a big shift. I mean you go from partly cloudy but sunny weather in Perth to negative degrees so it was weird to adjust to.

“The cold was a huge shock. I completely underestimated the weather and only put two hoodies in my suitcase. Playing in such cold weather makes it hard to breathe so it took some time to adjust to that as well.”

**Above:** Klaudia Houlis (right) with her fellow Western Australians on tour, Lacey Heys (centre), and Hannah Reynolds. **Photo:** Emma Heys Facebook.

Whilst the team achieved outstanding performances and results, they also made life long memories off the pitch, as the attacker takes up.

“I loved the girls that we met over there. They were all so welcoming and by the end we were quite close mates. I think that’s one of the reasons we did so well as a team on the pitch. Our opposition for most of the tournament weren’t very challenging, however the last game against Arsenal was much more equal and we really had to fight for the 2-1 win.

“All the opportunities off the pitch were incredible. I was happy to be walking in the streets of England no matter where we were. Honestly, seeing the typical tourist attractions were my favourite, the whole thing felt very surreal. We also went on a tour through the Manchester United stadium. It was amazing to see the behind the scenes of what we are all aiming for.”

Houlis has now been back in Perth for a while and is preparing for a new season at a new club after coming out of the Football West Academy set-up and heading for Perth RedStar, where she has already got minutes under her belt in the Night Series competition.

The teenager is determined to showcase her skills as part of a RedStar side who will be going all out to bring titles and trophies back to Joondalup in 2026. Talking about her move, Houlis said: “I’m so happy to be there, the environment is great and I feel like we have a lot to offer this season.

“Personally I’ll be focusing on one game at a time and further developing my performance as best as I can. My immediate aims are just to keep working as hard as I am to improve as a player, as well as using my games with RedStar to hopefully showcase what I can do.”

To read the other articles in this three part series:

Lacey Heys: https://impetusfootball.org/2026/02/16/lacey-heys-wa-youngster-on-her-experience-at-the-australian-school-girls-tour-of-the-uk/

Hannah Reynolds: https://impetusfootball.org/2026/02/22/hannah-reynolds-wa-youngster-overcoming-major-challenges-to-reach-for-the-stars/

Follow Impetus on social media:

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

Asian Cup Preview: Australia

Above: Australia lines up for a team photo. Image: Clare Wheeler’s Instagram.

By Genevieve Henry (28/2/26).

The hosts of the 2026 Asian Cup will be looking to reclaim their Asian crown on home soil in a tournament set to draw on the support of the Australian public. Competing in Group A with South Korea, the Philippines, and Iran, the Matildas have a tough road to the final — but they’ll expect nothing less than a trophy.

The Matildas are inarguably one of the very best teams set to compete, with players all over the world, relative support from their federation, and a massive home crowd advantage. Their success will depend on their ability to quickly turn their luck around under Joe Montemurro. If this squad plays to its potential, they should win.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns), Jada Whyman (AIK), Chloe Lincoln (Brisbane Roar)

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Clare Hunt (Tottenham), Alanna Kennedy (London City Lionesses), Wini Heatley (Roma), Kaitlyn Torpey (Newcastle), Jamilla Rankin (Hoffenheim), Courtney Nevin (Malmo), Charlize Rule (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Midfielders: Clare Wheeler (Everton), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal), Katrina Gorry (West Ham), Amy Sayer (Malmo), Alex Chidiac (Como), Emily Van Egmond (Leicester City)

Forwards: Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Hayley Raso (Frankfurt), Kahli Johnson (Calgary Wild), Holly McNamara (Melbourne City), Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Remy Siemsen (Rosengard), Mary Fowler (Manchester City)

Head Coach:

**Above:** Joe Montemurro was given a very short runway by Football Australia. **Image:** Seven News.

Joe Montemurro was announced as the new head coach of the Matildas in June 2025 after months of rumors and speculation. Football Australia drew criticism for their failure to appoint a coach sooner before the home tournament – but they were waiting for the right one to be available. Montemurro could be that. With experience at the very best clubs in the world on top, the Australian not only has an intimate knowledge of Australian football, but a world class resume. He has been the head coach at Arsenal, Olympique Lyonnais, and Juventus — winning prolifically at each. He also had stints as the head coach of both Melbourne Victory and rivals Melbourne City. At each of these clubs, he has worked with current national team players, giving him a great runway even with the short lead-up time.

Asian Cup History:

In their 8th Asian Cup appearance, Australia will be looking to recreate the glory of their 2010 victory. The Matildas have participated in every edition of the tournament that they were a part of the Asian Football Confederation. They came in third place in the inaugural tournament in 1975 and have since earned second place three times and fourth place once. Losing in the quarterfinals in 2022 was Australia’s worst result ever.

How They Qualified:

The Matildas qualified automatically as hosts.

Strengths:

Under Montemurro, the Matildas have been establishing a more possession-based style. This style relies on consistency through the midfield and when functioning, highlights the many talents within the squad. Building out from the back gives Australia far more variability in their attack, which can be so vital against traditionally low-blocking Asian competition.

Australia also has phenomenal abilities down the wings. With Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso down the right and Steph Catley (maybe) and Caitlin Foord down the left, the Matildas are unstoppable when these duos are on fire. With these channels working and a firing Sam Kerr in the center, Australia should win.

Development Areas:

Defensive cohesion has been an issue for the Matildas. On the flip side of their historic problems of not enough fit defenders, Australia now has incredible depth in the backline — it will just depend on how these players are arranged. No matter how it is, there will be an adjustment period due to relative inexperience especially in the centre back partnership. Pairing Clare Hunt with Steph Catley or Winonah Heatley seems most likely.

Due to defensive instability, Australia has struggled with dangerous turnovers and sloppy possession lately. The Matildas are almost always the architects of their own downfall.

Key Players:

**Above:** Ellie Carpenter defends against Japan in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. **Image:** Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

Sam Kerr is the face of the Matildas. Australia’s captain and top scorer has been considered one of the very best players in the world for the better part of the decade. After being sidelined by injury for nearly two years, the 32-year old is back to scoring ways with Chelsea. Her qualities as a striker come down to more than her high scoring ways — 69 goals in her 131 appearances. She is brilliant with her link up play and creativity. Her vision creates chances few in the world could see. Australia’s success may come down to how well she plays — if there’s any player who could handle that responsibility, it’s Sam Kerr.

Ellie Carpenter seems to have been in her prime for nearly ten years now, but the pacy defender is still only 25. In each of her 93 appearances, Carpenter has owned the field, only improving with time. Her move to Chelsea has seemingly upped the stakes and Carpenter has started to score at a much higher rate than ever before in her career. But it’s not just her impressive attacking contributions from sprinting down the wing — her defensive abilities are world class. Carpenter will be key in every area of the pitch at this tournament.

The position Steph Catley takes up for this tournament will be an interesting indicator of attacking focus or defensive stability. While the 32-year old played as a left back for the large majority of her career, she is quickly becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world at Arsenal. On the left. She provides another attacking outlet, overlapping with Caitlin Foord down the flank. The two have a great understanding after playing together not only internationally, but at the club level for so long. If Montemurro opts to play Catley at centreback, it could indicate a safer approach to the formation, eliminating some of Catley’s attacking potential but shoring up the defense.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is the key to a functioning Matildas midfield. The 24-year old has proved herself time and time again at the highest level, impressing with her driving runs and possession retention abilities. Her skills in escaping crowded areas and quick turns, combined with a vision for advancing passes, is critical for this tournament, where teams will try to thwart Australia by overcrowding. When facing a low block, it’s players like Cooney-Cross who have to step up and make things happen.

One to Watch:

Winonah Heatley is the rising star in the Matildas defence. Calm and composed beyond her years, Heatley exerts remarkable control from multiple positions. Her speed and confidence to use skills out of the back adds a much-needed level of variance to Australia’s backline. The 24-year old now has 13 caps for her country and plays for league-leading Italian side AS Roma.

Success Would Be:

Australia will expect to win the tournament or at least make it to the final. The bare minimum would be World Cup qualification. After the home World Cup came and went without a trophy – although it was a massive success — this “golden generation” of Matildas need to win in this tournament to make their mark.

Prediction:

Australia are in a good position to make it to the final, but if they are to face the same strong Japan side they met in 2025 or another firing team, the Matildas may take silver. Australia is likely to face Japan on the way to the final, lessening their chances of cruising to the trophy match. Also potentially in Australia’s way are North Korea, China, and South Korea. With one of the strongest and most diversely experienced squads, the Matildas perhaps should win it — but with the short lead up time for Montemurro, this could be a stretch.

Fixtures:

1st March — Australia vs Philippines, 5pm, Perth Stadium

5th March — Iran vs Australia, 7pm, Gold Coast Stadium

8th March — Australia vs South Korea, 8pm, Stadium Australia

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Asian Cup Preview: Japan

Above: Japan lines up for friendlies against Canada in December 2025. Image: JFA.

By Genevieve Henry and Alyce Collett (27/2/26).

The Japanese Women’s National Team, known as the Nadeshiko, are the team looking best positioned to win the 2026 Asian Cup. Drawn into Group C alongside Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei, Japan will compete in Perth throughout the group stage. While 2025 brought ups and downs for the team, Japan continues to be one of, if not the, best team in Asia.

Ranked 8th in the world— the highest of any Asian nation—Japan holds many impressive records continentally. But, while they are the only Asian team to ever win the World Cup, they have not found the same dominant success in the Asian Cup, winning just twice. The Nadeshiko are certainly able to add a third in the 2026 edition.