NSW female football stars ready to shine for the Matildas

As many as 7 NSW born female football stars including Ellie Carpenter, Amy Harrison, Alanna Kennedy, Chloe Logarzo, Courtney Nevin, Kyah Simon and Remy Siemsen have won selection for the Commonwealth Bank Matildas’ friendly clash against Republic of Ireland on 22 September 2021 at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.   

Former Bankstown City Lions star Mary Fowler and ex-Blacktown Spartans ace Kyra Cooney-Cross have also been selected.

The September training camp and international friendly marks the beginning of a new international cycle that will include the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022^TM, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ and the Paris 2024 Games.

Tony Gustavsson and his coaching team have already commenced the work of setting the foundations for the next three (3) years.

“While there were many aspects of our Tokyo campaign that we were proud of, I share the strong sentiment of the playing group that there is still unfinished business,” said Gustavsson.

“It is what makes our whole team extremely motivated and energised for the next phase of this journey towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™.  We have analysed our performances and have some great insights for us to work with.”

“However, as we keep working to improve all areas of our game, we will ensure that our aggressive pressing game and our attacking mindset will always remain at the heart of who we are.”

For the training camp and international friendly match against the Republic of Ireland, 18 players from the Tokyo campaign will return.  A cohort of defenders have been added with Emma Checker and Jenna McCormick recalled, while W-League Championship winning captain Angela Beard, W-League Young Player of the Year nominee Jamilla Rankin and her former Brisbane Roar teammate, Winonah Heatley, have been invited to test themselves in the national team environment.

Midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight and defender Karly Roestbakken will also join the camp in the opening days to undergo assessment from Football Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine team.  Meanwhile forward Caitlin Foord will remain in England to continue her rehabilitation from injury.

Gustavsson is looking forward to getting the squad together ahead of the international with the Republic of Ireland.

“The next phase presents a fresh start for all players – whether they are plying their trade in Australia, Europe, Asia, the United States or elsewhere.  We have a long runway to 2023 and we want to utilise every camp, every match, every moment possible to become one day better.”

“We have previously stated the importance of presenting players with opportunities to experience the national team environment and, with our scouting network, we will look to continue to do so in a measured manner.”

The squad will start to come together over the weekend ahead of next week’s assembly.

With Network 10 the new home of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, the Republic of Ireland match will be broadcast live and free on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play.  Coverage from 3.30am AEST on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, with kick-off at 4am AEST.

Commonwealth Bank Matildas 25-player Squad | September 2021 | Training Camp & International Friendly 

Match Details

Republic of Ireland v Commonwealth Bank Matildas
Wednesday, 22 September 2021
Venue: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Kick Off: 4:00am (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play. Pre-game coverage from 3.30am AEST.