Matildas’ Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has announced the latest Matildas squad for the upcoming September clashes against Canada.
In contrast to the squad named back in June who lost 7-0 against Spain, this group of 23 is effectively the strongest available, with a plan to focus and consistency from now until the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup.
“We are thrilled to welcome back a number of fantastic players for this window, adding to returning members from our last camp in Europe, as we prepare to take on a team of undeniable quality in Canada.”
At the same time, Gustavsson highlighted the door is not closed for other players to break in, but it will be harder to break into the national team now.
Notable players returning to the squad include Chloe Logarzo who has been recovering from an ACL injury sustained on September 22nd, 2021 in a friendly match against Ireland. Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Aivi Luik and Hayley Raso also return to the squad.
Kyah Simon is unavailable as she rehabilitates an ankle injury. Ellie Carpenter is also unavailable (ACL). Karly Roestbakken, Holly McNamara and Elise Kellond-Knight are also unavailable due to injury and recovery.
Tony Gustavsson highlighted there have been 17 debutants in 18 months compared to an average of 2.3 debutants per year in the prior decade, effectively investing in a long-term strategy to catch up and shortcut the pathway for players to elite international football.
Australia’s Head Coach also addressed a question regarding restoring faith to the National team.
“Inside of the circle, the belief and the trust and the faith is there, but outside, maybe I haven’t been good enough to explain what we’ve done and why it looked like it has.”
When asked about player load, Gustavsson noted significant concerns right now after a number of injuries prior to and during the Women’s Euro tournament.
“It’s a huge concern both from club and country.”
“There’s some in-depth discussion going on right now behind the scenes about the calendar and all these things and how we can protect players’ welfare and wellbeing.”
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
| Mackenzie Arnold | GK | West Ham United | 29 | 0 |
| Steph Catley | B | Arsenal WFC | 102 | 3 |
| Alex Chidiac | M | Racing Louisville | 18 | 1 |
| Kyra Cooney-Cross | M | Hammarby IF | 16 | 0 |
| Larissa Crummer | F | Capalaba Bulldogs / Brisbane Roar | 24 | 4 |
| Caitlin Foord | F | Arsenal WFC | 101 | 22 |
| Mary Fowler | F | Manchester City | 26 | 7 |
| Emily Gielnik | F | Aston Villa | 53 | 11 |
| Charlotte Grant | B | Vittsjö GIK (loan from FC Rosengård) | 6 | 0 |
| Katrina Gorry | M | Vittsjö GIK | 81 | 15 |
| Alanna Kennedy | B | Manchester City | 107 | 8 |
| Sam Kerr | F | Chelsea FC | 110 | 59 |
| Chloe Logarzo | M | Kansas City | 54 | 8 |
| Aivi Luik | B | BK Hächen | 36 | 1 |
| Teagan Micah | GK | FC Rosengård | 10 | 0 |
| Courtney Nevin | B | Hammarby | 11 | 0 |
| Clare Polkinghorne | B | Vittsjö GIK | 144 | 12 |
| Hayley Raso | F | Manchester City | 62 | 9 |
| Emily van Egmond | M | San Diego Wave | 119 | 30 |
| Cortnee Vine | F | Sydney FC | 4 | 0 |
| Clare Wheeler | M | Fortuna Hjørring | 10 | 0 |
| Lydia Williams | GK | Paris Saint-Germain | 100 | 0 |
| Tameka Yallop | M | Brann | 106 | 12 |
Gustavsson also advised he’s moving to Australia this month.
Match Details:
CommBank Matildas v Canada
Date: Saturday, 3 September 2022
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick-Off: 2:45pm AEST
Broadcast: Live and free on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au
CommBank Matildas v Canada
Date: Tuesday, 6 September 2022
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Kick-Off: 7.40pm AEST
Broadcast: Live and free on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au
