The FIFA Women’s World Cup is drawing nearer and places in the Matildas squad are at a premium as a number of players look to make a last-minute push for a spot in Tony Gustavsson’s squad.
Before then, players will be given another chance to impress the Matildas boss in the upcoming Cup of Nations tournament in February – with the Matildas taking on the Czech Republic, Spain and Jamaica.
For some players, it might be the final chance to impress in Green and Gold before the Women’s World Cup kicks off in July; hence, the importance placed on the upcoming three matches.
The squad for those friendlies will be announced this week, with a number of Liberty A-League players putting themselves in the mix off the back of solid performances domestically over the last few months.
On this week’s edition of The Official Liberty A-League podcast, former Matilda Catherine Cannulli was asked by host Campbell Johnson to rank the five Liberty A-League players who she believed were either pushing for selection for the upcoming friendlies or the Women’s World Cup beyond that.
On this week’s episode of The Official Liberty A-League Podcast, KEEPUP’s Campbell Johnson is joined by former Matilda Catherine Cannulli and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Amy Harrison.
5. Daniela Galic – Melbourne City
Cannulli’s first selection was none other than young star Daniela Galic, who has shot herself into contention off the back of an incredible start to the season with Melbourne City.
Galic has made nine appearances for City in her debut season, assisting three goals and scoring two of her own – including an emphatic finish against Canberra United.
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“I think she’s a great talent. I think she’s got a big future ahead of her and I think she’s had a great season so far,” Cannulli said.
“We’ve seen other teams take younger players just to be part of that experience and play some sort of part in the competition.
“I think that she would be a fantastic addition to be in and round it and again, this will then all be dependent on who’s available and who’s going to be fit and ready to go come World Cup time.”
4. Kirsty Fenton – Sydney FC
Kirsty Fenton was Cannulli’s following selection, believing the lack of full-back depth may work in the Sydney FC defender’s favour after a brilliant start to the season with the Sky Blues.
Fenton has made five appearances for the Sky Blues this season, contributing to three clean sheets. A knee injury sidelined the Young Matildas prospect through January – an injury Fenton returned from as a substitute in Sydney’s 6-3 win over Melbourne Victory in Round 12.
“I think she’s been fantastic for Sydney. Obviously we know in around that back four the Matildas, we’re struggling with depth in that position at the moment,” Cannulli said.
“She’s got the engine. I know Tony Gustavsson is big on data and numbers and high speed meters and all that and I think she probably will fit his his scope of play or what he might be looking for there.
“And I think as well, it’s always good to give them a crack and get them in around the camp and see where they fit in with our top players as well.”
3. Clare Hunt – Western Sydney Wanderers
Hunt has enjoyed a sensational campaign to date, and her former coach Cannulli believes she’s another who could also benefit in a similar vein to Fenton due to the lack of defensive options.
“I have to go with Clare Hunt. I think she’s had a fantastic season so far,” Cannulli said.
“Again, we talked about the depth in around the defenders in the team and being able to give these players a crack and I think Clare’s a fantastic defender.
“She wears her heart on her sleeve and it’d be good to see her be in and amongst it.”
Hunt has made 11 appearances for the Wanderers this season, playing a key role in turning the club’s form around with three wins and two draws recorded in their past six games.
2. Rhianna Pollicina – Melbourne City
The Melbourne City attacker has shot herself into the Matildas conversation off the back of five goals to begin this season, including the winner against Adelaide United on the weekend.
After the win, her coach Dario Vidosic said that he also felt the star playmaker “probably deserves” a call-up and Cannulli echoed those statements.
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“She has been fantastic in this competition. I think she has been performing week in and week out for Melbourne City and she’s been a very big, key player for that team,” Cannulli said.
“I think it’s important that we start to recognise players that are performing and that have kept it up at a high level.
“We all know that she came from the Newcastle Jets and wanted to take her football to the next level and I think we’ve seen her grow from strength to strength whilst being at Melbourne City.”
1. Grace Maher – Canberra United
Cannulli’s number one bolter is none other than Canberra United midfielder Grace Maher.
The 23-year-old has been in red-hot form to begin the season, scoring twice and dishing two assists for the side from the capital and has featured heavily in discussions surrounding who could push on for a Matildas call-up.
And Cannulli believes she has the tools to make the leap to international football.
“She’s been fantastic for Canberra United, she’s got something different about her and when she’s on, she’s on,” Cannulli said.
“She can score goals from nothing. She’s got creativity about her and I think it would be really good to see her in and amongst it.
“I don’t think she’s hit her full potential yet and it’s going to be interesting. We talk about big teams and players to be able to take their football up to the next level.
“I think it’ll be really interesting next season to see what Grace Maher decides to do because he has been quite loyal to Canberra United, as well.”