Matildas star Ellie Carpenter believes the Ninja A-League All Stars will have a point to prove when they take to the field against her Chelsea teammates on Wednesday night.
Carpenter and Co touched down in Sydney on Sunday evening fresh off the back of their 7-0 demolition of an Auckland Invitational XI over the weekend and are now turning their attention to Wednesday’s exhibition clash at Allianz Stadium.
“I’m expecting a tough game,” said Carpenter, when speaking at a media event on Tuesday morning in Sydney Harbour.
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“I think you know the quality of players that have been selected, national team players, they have experience.
“So I think it’s going to be a great game. Hopefully, a great atmosphere and turnout in Sydney.
“To see some familiar faces, some of the Matildas on the team. So yeah, I think it’ll be a great experience for them and also for us.”
She added: “I think they’ll have a point to prove. And you know, both teams will be going out to give it their all, and I think it’ll be great. The quality of football will be great.”
Coached by Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins, the 2026 Ninja A-League All Stars boast a mixture of both international class and exciting young talent.
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Matildas icon Tameka Yallop, New Zealand gun Rebekah Stott and Philippines international Angie Beard are just three of the experienced heads in the side.
Meanwhile Wellington Phoenix talent and current Young Footballer of the Year Pia Vlok and the prodigiously talented Talia Younis of the Western Sydney Wanderers will also feature, with both looking to star on the big stage and emulate the likes of Carpenter who have gone from A-Leagues to European stardom.
“Yeah, it all started in the A-League,” said Carpenter, when asked for her reflections on her career.
“I wouldn’t be standing here if I wasn’t playing in the A-League, starting with Western Sydney Wanderers.
“So they gave me my first contract at 15, and I’m forever grateful for that. I think it’s a great league to to grow up in, to develop.
“You know, it’s very competitive, and I think, yeah, if it wasn’t for that, then I wouldn’t be here today.”
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