Above: Mary Fowler is swarmed by Japan’s press.Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus
It has been a disastrous start to the 2025 SheBelieves Cup for Australia, who lost to Japan 4-0 this morning in what was Japan’s biggest win over The Matildas.
Japan showed why they are the leading team in Asia as slick passing, strong defensive work and goals from Mina Tanaka, Maika Hamano and Moeka Minami left Australia a shell of its usual self, and no match for Japan.
Although it was the Matildas who got the first look at goal, Japan were the ones to take true control of possession first, with the likes of Yui Hasegawa, Aoba Fujino and Saki Kumagai very busy early.
It was not long before Japan’s pressure was rewarded, with Mina Tanaka able to trickle a shot into the back of the net. The defensive efforts from the Matildas were poor, with no one really putting in much effort to try and stop the shot.
The goal just encapsulated how far on the back foot the Matildas were in the early parts of the match.
The Matildas really struggled to get the ball out of their defensive half as the Japanese press and defensive system looked strong, which was in stark contrast to the Matildas’ defence that was shaky and unconfident at best.
Australia finally got a decent look on goal just before the half hour mark, but unfortunately for the Matildas Caitlin Foord was judged to have been offside.
Another moment of non existent confidence in the Matildas defence saw Tanaka able to add a second goal to her tally just after the half an hour mark, and something had to drastically change with the Matildas or things were going to go downhill even further fast.
As much as the likes of Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter were trying their hardest to keep their side in the game, everyone else could not overpower their Japanese opponents.
In a sign of how drastically in control Japan were in the first half, the Japanese recorded seven shots (with three being on target), compared to Australia’s zero. Japan also had 64% of possession compared to Australia’s 36%.
The Matildas had a bit more of a spring in their system to start the second half, and quickly had some positive attacking play that just didn’t happen in the second half, thanks to some hard work from Carpenter and Hayley Raso.
However it wasn’t long before Japan got back in control, and have a third on the board with Tanaka setting up Hamano who slotted one easily past Mackenzie Arnold.
Despite being so far on the back foot, the Matildas did not make any substitutions until just over the hour mark, and although making plenty all at once, some of the choices would have left some fans scratching their head in confusion.
Japan was not done scoring, as Minami headed the ball in and converted a well placed corner.
Australia did have a few attacking plays in the second half, but the Japanese defence was far too strong, and was quick to neutralise any threat that came their way. This was in stark contrast to the Matildas, who continued to be shaky, unconfident and easily exploitable.
Despite just about everything going against them, the Matildas finally recorded a shot on goal in the 87th minute, as Charli Grant almost lobbed in a goal but was denied by the woodwork.
However that final whistle could not have come soon enough for the Matildas, who now have plenty to think about head of the next game against the USA.
Check out Genevieve Henry’s EXCLUSIVE photos for Impetus from the match on our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball
Above:Katie McCabe (right) and Megan Campbell (left) in training. Image: FAIreland on X.
It is the dawn of a new era for the Republic of Ireland’s women’s national team, as they prepare to get their next Nations League campaign started tomorrow with matches against Turkey and Slovenia.
After spending last Nations League campaign in League A, getting relegated then missing out on qualification for this year’s Euros, it’s back to League B and in many ways back to square one. It is also the dawn of a new era personnel wise, with a new manager and three legends of the team – Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey and Julie-Ann Russell – putting their feet up and enjoying international retirement.
But, this team cannot afford to think of this as a return to square one or a push backwards down the ladder of progression. They need to ignore the heartache of the 2024 calendar year, and think of this year as a chance to take a new path towards the goal of matching with the best in the continent.
But if the past 18 months or so since the World Cup has shown, lower teams are a blessing in disguise for this team.
There is no doubt that the confidence will be rocked after what happened against Wales, but this League B is a chance to reset, get those goal scoring boots back on and regain the confidence ahead of what should be a return to League A next campaign.
The question will be can the team repeat the ruthlessness shown last League B campaign, or will the confidence be too rocked from the Wales matches and they will regress even further?
That is not the only question facing the team this window. With three massive retirements over recent months, some big holes in the starting line up need to be filled.
Two of those are in the centre of defence, with Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell both among the trio of retirements.
Luckily for the Girls in Green this has been an area that has really been strengthened since the World Cup campaign, and although Louise Quinn is still missing, Aoife Mannion, Anna Patten and Caitlin Hayes can confidently fill the role and have shown that in previous campaigns.
The bigger question will be in attack, where the retirement of Julie-Ann Russell will prove trickier to navigate. The team looks better with a bit of speed in attack and with multiple forwards on the park, as opposed to having just Kyra Carusa as the lone striker.
With Saoirse Noonan also not being named in the squad but in the circle of a potential recall, this gives players like Quinn and Kiernan extra motivation to really put on a good performance this window. Perhaps even Marissa Sheva could fill the role, with the nifty midfielder already proven to be able to play a similar role but in midfield.
The Republic of Ireland will face Turkey on Friday night, before heading across to Slovenia to face them on Tuesday.
Both matches will be shown on RTE2, but fans outside the Republic may need a strong VPN to be able to tune into RTE’s coverage.
Republic of Ireland Squad for February International Window
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan, Grace Moloney, Sophie Whitehouse
By Genevieve Henry in Houston for Impetus(19/2/25).
Above: Tom Sermanni addresses the press from Houston, Texas. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
After MD-1 Training ahead of the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup against Japan, Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni spoke to the media at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. He emphasised the importance of these games in preparation for the Asian Cup as well as his role in the preparation and discussions of captaincy.
All players will be available for selection tomorrow, with Mary Fowler who had a brief worry with her hamstring fit and ready to go. “Everybody is healthy and the team has been in good spirits.”
Sermanni spoke briefly about his plan to get every member of the squad on the pitch at some point throughout this tournament, saying, “it’s our intent to make sure that everybody that’s in our squad gets some game time during this tournament and also that we send the players back to their clubs in a healthy state.”
“Obviously, we want to put a very strong team out to start this tournament against Japan. But, particularly in this tournament, when there’s a short turnaround (between) the games and travel involved, it’s very important for us to utilize the whole squad.”
“First, it’s everybody’s aim to try and win the tournament. Secondly, for us, our performances are important. It’s really important that we put on good performances to keep the team going forward and keeping the confidence behind the team. The third thing to look at, is that we’ve got some younger, inexperienced players for this tournament, and it’s looking to give them an opportunity against a real quality opposition.”
With most players only arriving later in the day on Monday, there has not been much time to prepare for this opening match, but Sermanni and the team have made it work. “We’ve had two good, quite intense training sessions…Everything so far has run smoothly.”
With a few new names in the squad, some of the best talents in the A-League Women will be getting their first taste of international football this window. Sermanni said, “they’ve all fitted in very well, but again, with the way everybody flew in, we only had a session on Tuesday and a light session today, so it’s not like we have had an awful lot of time together.”
“They’ve come into the environment and haven’t looked out of place.”
Above: Fowler in training ahead of the SheBelieves Cup clash against Japan. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
Fowler especially is coming into camp in red-hot form. Sermanni is looking to get the best out of her, saying, “we want to be an attacking team, an aggressive team, a team that goes forward. Like Manchester City, we’ve got some really pacey, important strikers in our team. So, we’ve got a team that Mary will fit into very well and hopefully be able to show the same form that she’s showing from City.”
After taking a well-deserved rest during the last international window, Fowler’s inclusion in the squad could be reinvigorating for Australia. “It’s great to have her back in the squad and she’s had two really impactful days of training so far, so I’m looking forward to seeing her tomorrow night.”
Although Sermanni is only in the head coach role in the interim capacity, he is intent on preparing the team for the upcoming continental tournament.
“All the games between now and March 2026 are preparation for the Asian Cup. There are a couple of things involved. That could all change very quickly when I exit from the role, but from my experience in being an international manager and with having a tournament like the Asian Cup coming up: All your preparation is going towards that.”
“Part of it is looking at what you think might end up being the preferred formation, and part of it is looking ahead to what actually might be the starting team come March 2026.”
Facing their toughest competition in Asia in this friendly tournament is massively helpful in preparing the Matildas for the threats Japan will bring next year. Sermanni expects that Japan will stick to their usual style, saying, “I don’t see a lot of difference between how Japan has been playing and how they will play tomorrow. How they play is very successful, so I don’t think there’ll be too many changes.
“At some stage, I would suggest between now, and the middle of the year, there will be someone else in the hot seat.” Sermanni said of his uncertain future with the national team, telling the media that he said to the players, “I’m coming into this to try and do the job as if I was going to be the coach.”
With Sam Kerr hopefully nearing return, the question on everyone’s mind is about her captaincy and her role within the national team. Sermanni said, “the most important part is that we get Sam healthy as quickly and as safely as possible and get her back on the field.”
Sermanni has played a very important role in Kerr’s career, giving her debut in 2009 as a 15-year-old. Sermanni said regarding his contact with Kerr, “we’ve checked in…It’s been a pretty long couple of weeks with Sam, so the last thing she needs is people badgering her at this time…But, the lines of communication are very much open.”
“The captaincy issue is quite irrelevant because by the time she comes back into the team I might not be here…Who knows what’s going to happen. Steph Catley stepped in as captain and has done a fantastic job.”
Above: The Matildas in training in Houston earlier. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
See more photos of MD-1 training on Impetus’ socials.
Above: Grace Kuilamu (8) battles for possession. Photo:Football Australia
The Young Matildas began the Four Nations Tournament with an emphatic 9-0 win over Vanuatu’s senior team at Viking Park.
The match marked the first outing that this group of players have had together, and begins the new cycle for Australia’s Under 20 team.
Sienna Saveska was the major threat in the opening half. The A-League golden boot contender opened the scoring with a shot on the turn, added another just minutes later and set up captain Grace Kuilamu for Australia’s third after her shot hit the crossbar.
Australia dominated possession, and for the most part stayed patient with the ball despite Vanuatu’s deep and compact defence. Before half time, they added another two to their tally. Josie Allan scored to make it four, and Maddie Caspers finished off a flowing move, prodding home after Saveska’s pass.
The second half saw heavy rotation, but that did not interrupt Australia’s momentum of chemistry. India Breier scored with an Olimpico just five minutes after the break. Maya Lobo struck a low effort from long range that beat the Vanuatu goalkeeper.
Mary Stanic-Floody added the final touches on an enjoyable afternoon for Aussie fans. The Canberra United maestro finished off another team move, slamming home from inside the 18 yard box to make it eight.
She then scored the best goal of the day with the final kick of the afternoon. After receiving the ball in midfield, Stanic-Floody launched a missile from around 30 yards that found the back of the net with rare ferocity.
The scorer of the winning goal at the 2022 U18 AFF Cup Final added to her growing list of national team highlights and gave the Viking Park crowd something the remember.
It was great to get out there after a few days training and see how the girls put into practice what we’ve been working on.
Young Matildas interim coach Kory Babington was pleased with the result, but also said tere was room for improvement.
“It’s a good start for the girls,” Babington told the media.
“It’s the first time together as a team for this two year cycle so we will be looking at being a bit tidier with things in the next match.
He highlighted the ability of the platers to absorb information quickly from training and put it into practise and some of their combination play as things to be particularly happy with.
“Playing against those tight, compact defences is something you have to do in world football
“There were some good moments, but just some of that consistency of when and where to go forward quickly or when to combine.
“Against a team that plays so compact, the spaces are limited.
“Space and time on the ball is minimised and it’s difficult to play there. We will work on that and try to be better in the next match.”
Australia made a host of changes throughout the game, and Babbington was pleased but not surprised that at the easy transition between one lineup and another. It bodes well for the depth of this and future squads.
“The girls have adapted and worked well together. They’re a good bunch who’ve known each other in youth development programs for quite a long time.
“They’re quite friendly with each other. It’s easy for them to play because they enjoy each other’s company and just love the game.”
With entry free to all of the Four Nations Tournament games, Babington encouraged fans to come along. They will not only be seeing the best U20 player in Australia right now, but also some of the best players in the A-League Women in action.
“The more that come down, it’s better for the girls.
“Everyone likes playing in front of a crowd. The played some entertaining football today and hopefully the n the weekend it can be better again.”
Vanuatu captain Rita Solomon was philosophical after the loss. This was an opportunity to learn from a very good side and a rare chance to meet a team outside of Oceania.
“It’s a tough one,” she told the media.
“But like a said earlier it’s a privilege. It’s also my first time playing A-League players so it’s a good start for the tournament and the girls as well.
“Now we know where we’re at, like our level. We know our mistakes and we’ll work on that for the next game.
“Playing Australia for our first game is good because then we can work on our mistakes and come back stronger for the Solomon Islands.
Australia’s next game is against The Solomon Islands on Saturday at 6:30pm. Vanuatu will meet Thailand’s U20 side at 3pm. Both games will be at Viking Park.
Above: Winonah Heatley taking part in training with the national team. Photo: Football Australia.
Matildas defender Winonah Heatley is one of the most exciting new faces in recent times. Heatley spoke to the press about her confidence going into the SheBelieves Cup, her role in the squad, and her thriving club career.
Heatley is still taking it easy and patiently putting the work in, saying, “I’ve been looking to try and establish my role in the squad for the last (few years), and this is just another opportunity to do so. I’m not going to put any pressure on myself for any sort of outcome personally within this window.”
The defender may have been around for a while, but she has only ever been in squads for friendly matches. Although it may technically be a “friendly tournament”, the SheBelieves Cup will be her first games with something on the line. Heatley is taking it in her stride, saying, “I’ve been in the squad for some pretty big games but the US, Japan, and Colombia are all incredible teams. I’m really looking forward to the challenge…I’m going to try to perform the best I can and be the best player I can be.”
Thriving overseas, Heatley’s confidence is transferring from club to country. “I’ve been in Denmark for just over two and half years now. It’s feeling like home. The competition in the country is really good and the type of football is good. I’m loving it.”
Heatley captains the successful Nordsjælland, leading them to a championship last year. “It’s huge for my confidence to be having a big part at my club. The captaincy is positive towards my development as a leader on the pitch and having that extra responsibility is always going to add to your game. Being able to perform under that extra pressure of having some leadership has been really useful.”
Above: Heatley walks out with the Matildas squad. Image: Football Australia.
With all the noise surrounding the team since the World Cup on home soil, especially regarding the Matildas players’ off-field activities, Heatley confirmed that no matter what the public sees, the experience and leadership of the heavily scrutinized stars is invaluable. “We’ve got such a wealth of experience with the older players in the Matildas squad. Whatever happens off the field, I think the value of all the older players is incredible and they’re all really good role models.”
“It’s been really cool to watch the growth of the women’s game, especially in Australia. The exposure and the added media attention is just something we’re all adapting to.”
With the growth of the women’s game, Heatley is confident that Australia is keeping up with the rest of the world. “We can look at all the girls that have come through the A-League and made their debuts for the Matildas in the last couple of years and how they have risen to the occasion. I think we can see that when given the opportunity, we have so much talent coming through the ranks and it’s talent that’s meeting the level of international football.”
“I’m always going to be an advocate for the more you invest, the more you get out of it. We as a country should continue to push the women’s game.” Heatley said, favoring investment in growing Football Australia’s support towards the women’s game.
Heatley has been a part of the programs that prepare the next generation of talent for the big stage. “When you’re playing in those Young and Junior Matildas squads you get the first time exposure to playing international opponents and the travel involved in that as well. It’s a really valuable experience and when I was coming through with the under 17s and 19s, it gives you that extra bit of fight to want to progress to the ultimate stage and play for the Matildas.”
Above: Heatley celebrates her first cap. Image: Football Australia.
As Heatley has risen through the ranks, performing at the youth level and in the A-League Women, she has patiently awaited her destiny. “I’ve always quietly known that I would get here and I’ve always aimed for this from the moment I started kicking a football. I’ve always wanted to be where I’m sitting now. In my eyes, it was a matter of time if I continued to do the right things.”
With Tom Sermanni as the interim coach, some fans are worried about the preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup on home soil. Heatley assuaged those fears, saying, “One of the things Tom said when he came in as the interim coach was that he was going to start preparing us for the Asian Cup, no matter whether he was the interim coach or not.”
This tournament is great preparation for the squad to play tough football while still bringing in new talent. “Having quality games in the lead-up is so important for us, especially having Japan in the group that we’re going to face possibly in the Asian Cup. That is so valuable.”
Above: Three players, one from each of the This Girls Ability hubs, warming up on Tournament Day. Photo: Danni Fairbairn.
“I look forward to my football sessions, we are all friends and a team, we all support each other in the sessions and I am more confident and happy, it is somewhere where I can be myself and am accepted, it’s one of my happy places to be.”
The power of football to bring people together and unite them as a family is proven in the work done by This Girl’s Ability, an East London-based non-profit organisation encourages and supports girls and young women to engage in physical and social activities through the mode of football. With 70 members being involved in the football program, football is proving to be a success.
The original intent was to involve girls with disabilities to participate in a range of activities such as swimming, football, multi-sports, and pop culture. However, football has clearly won out as the favourite activity for all. This is more than just a sporting activity as they develop their football abilities across three different locations — it’s a family.
Nichola Fairbairn (Nikki), the director of This Girl’s Ability, began her path into Disability Sport at the conclusion of studying for her Sports Science degree in 2019. The topic of inclusion really grabbed her heart. It was through investigating what activities were available to young people that were offered by the local council, that introduced her to the world of disability sport.
“When you’ve worked with young people, you don’t want to do anything else. It touches my heart, and you know you’re making a positive impact.”
Above: The director of This Girl’s Ability, Nikki Fairbarin. Photo: Lauren Milligan.
Following her volunteer work with the Council, Nikki worked for a local charity. The charity’s sports offerings were very popular with boys but not with girls. Asking the question, ‘Why aren’t girls coming to these sessions?’ was the catalyst for the This Girl’s Ability initiative. It was important to recognise that girls face the challenges of adolescence differently from boys.
“At their age girls are really self-conscious about their appearance, they often drop out of sport and add into that the barriers of disabilities, it’s a lot.”
Fast forward to September 2023 and the non-profit organisation This Girl’s Ability was formed as a charitable entity. Nikki can’t pinpoint the spark that became the name, but she talks about “everyone has their abilities, it’s not what we can’t do – it’s what we can do!”, and so every new player who joins begins by asking them ‘what can you do?’
The first session, or gathering of players, was held in January 2023. When working with players with disabilities there needs to be some flexibility including adaptations, in terms of the drills and skills being practised, but every session still has a core focus. What makes the sessions unique is that the players themselves lead the training under the oversight of the conveners.
“Our success to date in keeping and retaining our members is that it’s their session. If they are going to be playing their way, then they are going to be engaged in sport. A lot of the time they don’t think ‘I’m doing physical activity’ because they are having so much fun.”
Volunteer development and progression are other key areas of success. Three of the This Girl’s Ability volunteers have completed the FA Introduction to Coaching Football course which gives them increased confidence and the ability to coach their peers. One highlight for these volunteers was having the opportunity to run a training session for Women’s Championship team, Charlton Athletic.
“I enjoy supporting our members and coming up with fun activities and drills for them to take part in. I love leading the activities and making our members laugh, it shows that they are having fun and having a good time. I also enjoy the other opportunities we have had, such as holding a coaching session for Charlton Athletic Women,” said one of the volunteers.
An interesting twist to the story is that a lot of the members of This Girl’s Ability often aren’t fans of football before they get involved. Everyone is encouraged to try one session to get a feel for how it works, and the success rate of keeping players is extraordinarily high.
Not only does this result in player numbers increasing, but the players themselves have evolved into supporters of women’s football. With a lot of the players living in and around the area of West Ham United, there is a strong supporter base coming through. With the connection to Charlton Athletic, players have had the opportunity to be involved in match-day experiences such as being team mascots.
“One of our members came to a match, she had never been to a football match before, she hadn’t even seen the match yet, and came out of the shop with a pair of gloves with the team written on them! She’s since bought clothing items and kit as well.”
Football is contagious
Becoming a football coach was never in Nikki’s plans. Before starting the non-profit organisation, she wasn’t even a fan of the sport, in large part due to the way football would dominate conversations among her male colleagues. Now, she recognises how valuable football is for building community and bringing people together. Meeting other supporters and making friends is something special that the players have also experienced.
Leading and running This Girl’s Ability is a lot of work and Nikki doesn’t do it alone. Her daughters Danni and Zoe also support it, so it’s a family affair.
A parent of a player shared: “I can’t express enough gratitude for my daughter being around her kind of people. I also get support as a parent by meeting parents in similar situations.”
The participating girls can’t wait to be given their This Girl’s Ability football shirt. Some players often wear their shirts to sessions that aren’t football practices. The sense of belonging is special to each person.
Above: Walking out with West Ham United player Amber Tysiak. Photo: Danni Fairbairn.
What happens in a session?
Each week a football session runs for around an hour. Like football everywhere, it includes a warm-up and skills and drills. There is a session plan for the coaches but these are used as an indicative direction rather than for specific tasks. Everyone is invited to contribute an idea for an activity as the time is for the players. Even though each session is built on fun, each week a match finishes off the hour.
“Some of our players are quite young and the week after we went and watched West Ham Women, at the week’s session the players went all in. The players put their hands in before the start, both teams lined up and went through and shook hands and now that happens every week. It’s very serious!”
Above: Tournament Day with players from two of the three hubs competing to be the best. Photo: Danni Fairbairn.
The age range of participants is very broad starting at 10-years-old and spanning through to 25. As participant numbers have grown, the decision has been made to keep the players all in one group rather than separating by age. For specific skills and drills, older and younger players will work together with everyone coming together again for the final match.
Having expanded to three hubs has created a new dynamic of competition and relationships as each hub can come together and hold tournaments.
What is the future of This Girl’s Ability?
Growing and expanding is a great idea, but not at the cost of losing the ethos of This Girl’s Ability. Nikki’s desire is to ensure that the non-profit organisation retains its personal touch. The volunteers and players alike genuinely care about each other and all the families.
“While we are an hour-a-week football session, it means so much to the girls coming together, and we do so much more than just that one-hour session. The girls have really fallen in love with football.”
Above: The girls at The Valley, Charlton Athletic’s home stadium on match day. Photo: Danni Fairbairn.
Highlights and Achievements
All members have a This Girl’s Ability football shirt on joining the team to create a sense of belonging.
Nine players have been involved as mascots for West Ham United FC.
A relationship with West Ham United Women as a sister club has been established. Six tickets are given out for each home match funded by Neil Taylor and The Hammers For Work Support Group.
Members were supported to attend an opening training for West Ham United in 2024.
Two tours of the Chigwell Construction Stadium, home of West Ham United Women and Dagenham & Redbridge FC have been attended. The girls created a video for social media and many were inspired by the West Ham United Women’s team players.
Sixteen players and 30 family and friends attended a Charlton Athletic Women match and were mascots and flag bearers.
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, members and coaches joined in a development session with the Charlton Athletic FC women’s team: https://youtu.be/4LnI_FwCRyA?si=JbrAhQn5foYU5O–
Two football tournaments have been held so far, one at West Ham Women’s Training Ground and the other at Dagenham.
West Ham United players Amber Tysiak and Jess Ziu have attended football training sessions in Havering.
A creative player engagement initiative was run to support the 2023 Women’s World Cup, including putting a design on a ball and shirts.
Above: The Young Matildas in training on Tuesday. Photo: Football Australia
Young Matildas forward Sienna Saveska and Vanuatu Captain Rita Solomon spoke to the media ahead of their encounter in the Four Nations Tournament.
It is the start of a new cycle for the Australian Under 20’s. The Young Matilda have an eye on the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup and preparation begins now. Interim Australian coach Kory Babington has named a side stacked with A-League Women experience, and even after the withdrawal of Alexia Apostolakis, Tianna Fuller, Isabella Hoyos and Amber Luchtmeijer through injury, spirits are high ahead of the first match against Vanuatu.
One of the stars of this team is Sienna Saveska. The attacker has been a bright spark in a challenging season for The Western Sydney Wanderers, following her return to the club after a year with Sydney FC, the lethal forward has scored seven goals in the league so far, often in spectacular style.
ANOTHER OLIMPICO 🚀 18-year-old Sienna Saveska fires one in direct from a corner just moments after conceding 👌@WSWanderWomen are back in the game!
“I think everyone is very excited.” Saveska told the media.
“It’s the first national team thing for the year to kick off the new cycle which is exciting for everyone.
“I think everyone is going to want to perform but mostly just be on the field together and have fun.”
The Young Matildas welcomed Vanuatu to Canberra on Tuesday and both groups of players are eager to get started. Saveska recalls the last visit of the Pacific nation to Australia fondly.
“We had a dinner at Parliament House three years ago which was pretty cool. We got to get together and speak to each other and see how each other were and it was really nice.”
Saveska is perhaps Australia’s most potent goal threat, and she anticipates a physical contest in the opening match against a Vanuatu team looking to test themselves ahead of their own qualifiers. Any occasion to wear the Green and Gold is something she cherishes.
“It’s always an honour to play for Australia and our nation.
“I would love to get out there, if it’s a start or off the bench its just amazing to pull on the jersey and be out there with the girls and have fun.
“You want to win games so that’s a goal for our whole team and everyone as individuals. To get on the scoresheet is another goal of mine but being healthy and being out there, just playing with the girls.”
Vanuatu captain Rita Solomon is leading an inexperienced but enthusiastic side into this tournament. Vanuatu rarely gets a chance to play sides from outside of Oceania and they are looking to grasp this opportunity for a variety of reasons.
“Most of the girls, its their first in the national team,” said Solomon.
“We’re playing against Australia and Thailand. It’s a privilege because we don’t normally play these high levels, we look forward to it.
“Back in Vanuatu we don’t have a women’s league. We’re using this as preparation for our upcoming tournament which will be in Fiji.”
Vanuatu began training almost as soon as they arrived, Solomon had a bit of a laugh when asked how the first session was.
“It was good, some of the girls were still adapting to the weather and food. We are tired from travelling yesterday, the first training session was not too bad.”
Solomon hinted at players missing the trip because of commitments at home, but the U20 national side is setting out to make an impact, not only on the pitch but for others watching from Vanuatu.
“Back at home we have a lot of responsibilities, but once we get called for training and stuff because we love soccer, we’re like ‘ok lets do this’ because we have to do it, no matter what criticism we face from social media or other people.
“In Vanuatu, soccer is one of the sports we love a lot so if we’re not doing good, oh my days” she said with a laugh.
“But, that doesn’t stop us for playing, we enjoy it that’s why we’re here and we’re very proud to represent the Vanuatu team.
“We have to stand up for ourselves and other girls who love to play soccer. If we give up then they don’t have the opportunities that we have now.”
The Young Matildas take on Vanuatu on Wednesday 19 February at 3pm. Entry is free at Viking Park Canberra and the match can be viewed onYouTube
Above: Ellie Carpenterwalks out of the tunnel for Australia. Her leadership has been vital over the past few years. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.
Ahead of their first match against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, Matildas Vice Captain Ellie Carpenter spoke to the press about the team’s ambitions for the tournament, the coaching situation, and the preparations for the looming Asian Cup.
The Matildas, participating in the SheBelieves Cup for the first time, will be looking to get a good result in the tournament. Carpenter emphasized the threat all three teams pose, saying “I think it’s very challenging for us against three top teams, but I think this will also prepare us well for the Asian Cup.”
“Every time we play for our country we give it our all. We want to win for our country and we’ll be planning to do that.”
Australia are looking strong going into the tournament, with a good mix of experience in the squad as well as players excelling at their clubs. “We have players hitting top form with clubs, a lot of players playing well overseas, and it’s always exciting for the first camp of the year.”
“We have young players coming through and we have experienced players. I think right now we’re in the perfect way with our depth. I think the young players that have come in have done really well proving themselves on the international stage, and this tournament will be another great opportunity for them as well.”
While the Matildas have high ambitions for the tournament, it is vital that newer players are given the opportunity to grow into the squad. Carpenter commented on this balance, saying that the coaching and medical staff will “manage players’ loads if needed, with a very quick turnaround between games and flying across the world to be here.”
“It’s very exciting when we have young blood come in. Obviously, they deserve the call-up, and it’s very exciting to see them and how they integrate with the national team and the international stage.”
Above: Carpenter charges forward, providing a constant threat with her speed. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
As big as the step up may be from the A-League or domestic leagues to a competitive tournament against top teams, Carpenter has confidence in the less experienced players. “Every young girl has come in and performed, you can tell they are up to the task. We’re now seeing the new generation come through with Australian football. I think it’s great when we get more young ones in and they can have a taste of what it’s like because they are the future, they are the next generation.”
Since the departure of Tony Gustavvson, Tom Sermanni has been at the helm, though only as the interim head coach. There is much speculation about who will take this role permanently, with Carpenter commenting, “We’re leaving that up to the FA. We have full trust in them that they will provide us with a coach that’s the best fit.”
Although it may be a smaller-scale tournament, there is a strong sense among the team of the importance of these games in preparation for the future. “We’re still fighting for spots, people are still fighting for squad positions. With or without our main coach, there’s still a lot to play for and still a lot to prepare for.”
Joe Montemurro, a name strongly linked to the job, is the current head coach at Olympique Lyonnais where Carpenter plays. She assured the media that there have been no discussions of this at the club, saying, “Joe is with Lyon and he has a contract there. He is doing an amazing job with us so far, in the league and the Champions League. He’s fully focused on Lyon and hopefully bringing in trophies at the end of the season.”
Another name that had been floating around was Leah Blayney, who had been a part of Football Australia’s coaching set up for many years until she recently took the job as an assistant coach for Japan. “(It’s) a great opportunity for her. Seeing her on the sidelines will be a bit bizarre, but I wish her all the best there.”
Carpenter stressed that playing against these “top nations” will pose different challenges, but ultimately be a great opportunity for players both experienced and new. “We want to play great football. We want to get back to the Australian way. We want to score goals and play exciting football.”
Above: Carpenter tussles for the ball against Iran. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“This is great for us as a squad, to experience a tournament again. It’s going to be very good to prepare for the Asian Cup.” Australia will be facing potentially their biggest competition for the continental tournament when they play Japan in matchday one of the SheBelieves Cup.
“All three games are very exciting. They’re all very different oppositions. Japan is a team we may face in the Asian Cup, they’re very technical. The USA are Olympic Champions, they have a whole other style of play. Colombia are very physical… We can approach them differently. It’s a great experience for us, especially this early in the year.”
“Our team is very adaptable. I think we’re quite good with change on the go and we’ve worked with so many systems over the past couple of years, so that’s a great thing to have in your back pocket.”
After the USA snuffed out any chance of the Matildas advancing in the Olympics last year, revenge may be on the mind for Australia when they face the hosts. “There’s always that rivalry. There’s always such high intensity, of course we want to beat them, we want to challenge them.”
With many big names left off the USA roster due to injury and other circumstances, the matildas will be looking to exploit the absences left by stars such as Naomi Girma, Sophia Wilson (née Smith), Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman. “It’s quite a mixed roster with experience and youth…They are preparing and we are in a phase preparing for the Asian Cup, so I think it’s going to be a great game.”
Carpenter will be facing club mate and close friend Lindsey Heaps (née Horan) and the prospect of playing her is one she is looking forward to. “It’s actually so much fun playing a very close friend. We were actually talking about it when we were flying over here together. We just can’t wait for the game. Even though she plays in the midfield and I’m a defender, we always try to find each other on the pitch and get in a little bump off the ball or something.”
Above: Carpenter and Horan enjoying great success as teammates at Lyon. Photo: Instagram.
“She’s a great captain for the US. She’s a great player, a world class player. She’s going to be hard to stop, she leads that team so well.”
The Matildas will be debuting a new kit in the opening match in collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. Although the team has great memories in the 2023 World Cup kit, Carpenter is ready to embrace the new and let go of the past, saying “I did love both of those kits, but it’s nice for a change. After being in that kit for a couple years, we’re excited for a new one… The meaning behind it with the artist is very cool. It stands out and gives us character.”
Above: Subiaco goalkeeper Monique Todd in acrobatic action against Perth SC on Saturday night. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The 2025 campaign is underway in Western Australia as the weekend just gone saw the first round of action in the NPLW WA Night Series tournament.
The pre-season competition affords the eight clubs a chance to gel new signings together with existing players, try out some new formations, and have an opportunity to see what fellow clubs are building ahead of the main league kick-off in just over a month’s time.
The opening round of Night Series action had it all – eye-catching results, returning players making a big impact and some early signs of who to look out for when the NPLW WA league gets underway.
Group A:
Above: Hyundai NTC celebrate during their win over Perth RedStar on Friday night. Photo: Football West NTC.
Action got underway on Friday night at Inglewood Stadium with Fremantle City taking on Murdoch University Melville. The port city side, under the leadership of Sam Geddes for 2025 gained the points. Goals from former Balcatta Etna youngster Mia Yeo, and Sophie Meaden earned the 2-0 win.
The second game of the evening produced the headline result of the weekend. Hyundai NTC defeating defending champions Perth RedStar 4-0. Whilst it must be said that RedStar were without the likes of Olivia Wood and Caitlin Doeglas, with the latter on A-League Women duty with Perth Glory, there was still an awful lot of experience in new head coach Chris Atturo’s line-up. The teenage NTC side’s new cohort showed that they could be a force this year. Theodora Mouithys, Xuri Dalton, Lacey Heys, and an own goal made up their scoring.
Group B:
Above: Eyes on the prize for Perth SC on Saturday night. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Attention moved to Dorrien Gardens on Saturday night where the action opened with Balcatta Etna taking on UWA-Nedlands. Balcatta some new signings including Frankie Murray-Hocking (from Subiaco), but it was their key players from 2024 who were among the goals. Two from Abbey Meakins, and one each from Lucy Jerram and Rachel Jarvis earned the 4-0 win.
The final game of the weekend saw Perth SC host Subiaco. The Azzurri, now under the leadership of former NTC assistant coach Tom Glavovic may have lost inspirational defender Baxter Thew to Sydney Olympic in the NPLW NSW, but they lined-up with a host of new names including goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder plus former NTC stars Hannah Collins, Louise Tana, Maja Archibald, and Violet Longmore. However, it was the return of long-term injury victim Jess Flannery that caught the eye. The hugely gifted attacker announced her influence on the side by hitting a hat-trick. Hannah Insch grabbed the other in a 4-0 win.
Above: Hannah Insch (4) fires home for Perth SC against Subiaco on Saturday night. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
NPLW Coverage 2025 on Impetus
This season, Impetus’ coverage of the NPLW steps up another notch with the action in four states being featured.
Our coverage from Western Australia will have up to four reporters – Ben Gilby, Ava Elliott, Isobelle Campbell, and Ella McShane, plus a group of photographers. You can expect in-depth weekly reports and reviews. In addition, there will be player and coach interviews as well as the return of our hugely popular player of the month and team of the season awards.
In New South Wales for the first time, Ryan Miller-Woods will be bringing news and photographs from the competition each week.
Covering Victoria, we have Emma Burke, Kieran Yap, and Adrian Geremia will keep you up to date on all the weekly events.
For the first time this year, we will also be bringing regular news from South Australia thanks to Matilda Villet.
Make Impetus your home for NPL Women’s coverage in 2025.
Above: Jess Flannery fires in a shot for Perth SC against Subiaco on Saturday night. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Above: Designer of the Nike collection Reko Rennie in Australia’s new anthem jacket. Photo: Football Australia
A new Matildas jersey means new memories are about to be made. The next kit from Nike is to make its debut on Friday morning, and is the result of a collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie,
At the core of the collection – amongst other elements to be revealed– is a striking motif that draws inspiration from patterns commonly found in First Nations message sticks, used traditionally to pass messages and communication between communities.
Through this, the collection shares an empowering message of connection and elevates the visibility of the World’s oldest continuous culture on the national and global stage.
The new kit and matchday wear arrives in time for the She Believes Cup, where Australia will take on the United States, Japan and Colombia. Although the designs will be shared across the Matildas and Sococeroos, the women will be the first to take to the field in it.
The new kit comes with a new unified branding message from Football Australia. “Forvever Forging Forward,” which aims to embody the relentless perusing of progress, cultural representation and inspiration that both Australia teams embody.
Reko Rennie was recently the subject of a major retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
The jersey will feature a design from a 2024 Reko Rennie painting, which was recently displayed in the NGV’s REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie exhibition.
From a Matildas perspective, the old jersey will be missed, the 2023 World Cup jersey holds special memories for many fans. For thousands it was the first football shirt they identified with or owned, and it beamed across an unprecedented number of screens in Australia.
However, the Reko Rennie design provides a chance to move forward, and create new iconic images. Jerseys become linked in our minds with moments that we never forget.
As the 2019 kit is synonymous with Chloe Logarzo’s statuesque celebration against Brazil or the 2023 one was with Sam Kerr’s wonder goal against England, so too will this kit etch itself into football folklore.
The Matildas have a big 12 months ahead, and with the nation once again hosting a major international tournament, the opportunity for new memories nears.
But first is the She Believes Cup, and a chance to show off the new kit against some of the world’s best teams.
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