CommBank Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has locked in a 23-player squad for his side’s farewell series against China in Adelaide and Sydney, ahead of the Olympic Games.
Six Liberty A-League stars have been selected to take on the reigning AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions: Sharn Freier (Brisbane Roar), Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC), Jada Whyman (Sydney FC), Lydia Williams (Melbourne Victory) and Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).
The squad features 21 of the 23 players who helped Australia secure qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics and is headlined by A-Leagues products like Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord.
Gustavsson’s side take on China on May 31 (Adelaide) and June 3 (Sydney).
“The squad we have named for this upcoming series against China PR is based on their performances for their respective clubs and also in our national team environment,” Gustavsson said.
“Some players are selected based on past performances, in tournaments and in previous camps, while others are chosen for their current strong form.
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible.
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“We have looked at providing cover in each of the different positions and ensuring the player profile for those positions enhance the squad. We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch.”
The Matildas are without the likes of Katrina Gorry (ankle), Aivi Luik (hamstring), Amy Sayer and Sam Kerr (both ACL) as they continue their preparation for the Olympic Games.
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in this upcoming May/June camp,” Gustavsson added.
“However, we also have some players in Katrina and Aivi unavailable for selection for this window but most likely will be physically available to be part of an Olympic roster. This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris.
“We want to use this camp to summarise the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months. To go back to what we did at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and the core things we did well there and then add the layers we have worked on since.
“Then we will see if we can get more of a complete overview of where we are positioned, work on nuances and details and get some answers of where are we and what do we need to keep working on come the Olympics.”
