Shock debutant among six A-Leagues stars called up by Matildas for SheBelieves Cup: FULL SQUAD

Brisbane Roar sensation Laini Freier is in line to make her international debut while Melbourne City star Holly McNamara could feature for the first time in three years after the CommBank Matildas announced their squad for the SheBelieves Cup.

Freier and McNamara are among six Ninja A-League stars called up to the 23-player squad for this month’s prestigious four-nation tournament, where Australia are making their debut in the United States.

FREIER CALLED UP: Meet Australia’s newest Matilda called up after 10 pro matches

Canberra United legend Michelle Heyman, Brisbane Roar captain Tameka Yallop, Newcastle Jets defender Tash Prior and Western United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln have also been called up by Tom Sermanni as the Matildas prepare to face Japan (February 21), hosts USA (February 24) and Colombia (February 27).

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE

For Laini Freier – the twin sister of Roar teammate Sharn who is not involved due to an ankle injury – it represents her maiden Matildas selection following an incredible start to life in the A-Leagues, having scored seven goals in her first 10 games as a professional.

City forward McNamara, who was called up in November 2023 before hurting her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), has not been involved in a Matildas squad in nearly two years, with her three caps earned at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup but she is back in the squad thanks to three goals in 2024-25.

R14 TALKING POINTS: Captain’s brutally honest interview after Derby demolition

“The SheBelieves Cup allows us to challenge ourselves against some of the best teams globally, and it’s an essential step as we work toward establishing a strong foundation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026,” said interim Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni.

“To play three quality nations, all with differing styles, in a tournament style format will allow us to continue assessing the squad and identify the areas that we will need to continue to invest in improving over the next 12 months.

“We’ve selected a squad with the clear objective of winning this tournament. While some challenges came with players returning from European winter breaks and the restart of the USA and Scandinavian leagues, these realities also created opportunities. It’s important to carry on exposing emerging players to high-level, tournament-style football early.

READ MORE
TRANSFER COUP: Macarthur sign Tunisia international with World Cup experience
ROAR’S NPL SWOOP: QLD’s 2x Player of the Year signs first pro deal aged 27
TEEN LOCKED IN: Impressive 17yo makes ‘easy decision’ to commit future to Roar
TALKING POINTS: Priceless moment sums up Socceroo’s immediate impact

“Our Technical Staff have been watching Ninja A-League matches all summer, ensuring we get a full picture of player form and fitness. Selection is always competitive, and we’ve built a squad that reflects that. It’s crucial to have depth and balance in the group as we prepare for the challenges ahead.

“We know how important it is to keep this team on a stable footing, and that means performing at our best every time we step onto the pitch. We want to play the Australian way—aggressive, front-foot football, always looking for ways to win. This tournament is another opportunity to reinforce that style and build momentum.

“With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, internal competition within the squad is key. Every player knows they need to push for their place, and this tournament gives us another chance to see how they respond in a high-pressure environment.

“SheBelieves will provide valuable insights as we fine-tune our preparations moving forward.”

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE

Match schedule

Japan v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025 (local) / Friday, 21 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 4.05pm CT (local) / 9.05am (AEDT)
Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston (TX) 
Broadcast: Paramount+

United States v CommBank Matildas
Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025 (local) / Monday, 24 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 3.05pm MST (local) / 9.05am (AEDT)
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale (AZ) 
Broadcast: Paramount+

CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (local) / Thursday, 27 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 4.30pm PST (local) / 11.30am (AEDT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (CA) 
Broadcast: Paramount+

Matildas squad
NAME POSITIONCLUB ‘A’ CAPS (GOALS)JUNIOR CLUB / 
MEMBER FEDERATION
Mackenzie ARNOLDGoalkeeperPortland Thorns57 (0) Burleigh Heads SC / Football QLD 
Ellie CARPENTER (VC)DefenderOlympique Lyon84 (4)Cowra and District JSC / Football NSW
Steph CATLEY (C)DefenderArsenal WFC132 (7)East Bentleigh, SE Cougars / Football VIC 
Kyra COONEY-CROSSMidfielderArsenal WFC52 (1) Bli Bli United FC / Football QLD
Caitlin FOORDForwardArsenal WFC130 (38) Warilla Wanderers FC / Football NSW
Mary FOWLERForwardManchester City WFC58 (15) Leichhardt FC / Football QLD 
Laini FREIERForwardBrisbane Roar0 (0)Moreton Bay United FC / Football QLD
Daniela GALICMidfielderFC Twente4 (0)Lidcombe Waratah FC / Football NSW
Katrina GORRYMidfielderWest Ham United112 (17)Mount Gravatt Hawks FC / Football QLD
Charlotte GRANTDefenderTottenham Hotspur WFC28 (1) Cumberland United Women’s FC / Football SA
Winonah HEATLEYDefenderFC Nordsjælland4 (0)Douglas United FC / Football QLD
Michelle HEYMANForwardCanberra United74 (28)Illawarra Stingrays FC / Football NSW
Clare HUNTDefenderTottenham Hotspur WFC28 (1)Grenfell Junior SC / Football NSW
Alanna KENNEDYDefenderAngel City FC131 (11)Campbelltown Cobras SC / Football NSW
Chloe LINCOLNGoalkeeperWestern United1 (0)Northern Inland Football / NNSW Football
Holly McNAMARAForwardMelbourne City3 (0)Ermington United Sports and Recreation Club / Football NSW
Teagan MICAHGoalkeeperLiverpool WFC18 (0)Brisbane Blue, Brisbane Central / Football QLD
Natasha PRIORDefenderNewcastle Jets3 (2)Manly United FC / Football NSW
Hayley RASOForwardTottenham Hotspur WFC92 (20)Palm Beach SC / Football QLD
Kaitlyn TORPEYForwardSan Diego Wave10 (1)Olympic FC / Football QLD
Emily VAN EGMOND (VC)MidfielderBirmingham City WFC153 (31)Dudley Redhead United FC / NNSW Football
Clare WHEELERMidfielderEverton WFC26 (2)Adamstown Rosebud / NNSW Football
Tameka YALLOPMidfielderBrisbane Roar130 (14)Mudgeeraba SC / Football QLD