‘Selection isn’t easy’: Matildas settle Asian Cup squad
Steve Larkin |
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has punted on Mary Fowler’s fitness, and a golden generation producing the goods, in the looming Women’s Asian Cup.
Montemurro has included Fowler in a 26-strong squad for the tournament on home soil next month.
Fowler is back in a Matildas squad for the first time since April last year when she required a knee reconstruction.
The brilliant attacker has managed just 15 minutes of game time since suffering her injury, but returns to a squad full of familiar faces.
Sam Kerr will captain the Matildas at her fifth Asian Cup, with Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter her vice-captains as the Australians seek a second cup win, following the nation’s 2010 triumph.
Fellow stalwarts including Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, Mackenzie Arnold, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Emily van Egmond underpin the squad.
The Asian Cup and next year’s World Cup in Brazil loom as among the last major global tournaments for the bulk of the Matildas squad, most of whom featured in the 2023 World Cup in Australia.
In the newly-announced squad, eight players – Hunt, Winonah Heatley, Kahli Johnson, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Kaitlyn Torpey and Jada Whyman – have been named for their first Asian Cup.
“Selecting a squad is never easy,” Montemurro said in a statement.
“But it is a privilege to bring together players who truly represent the identity and spirit of the Matildas, and who understand the responsibility of representing Australia.
“We have selected a strong mix of experienced leaders who understand what it means to wear the green and gold, alongside younger players who have earned their opportunity and will play a vital role in our future.
“Their commitment and growth are a testament not only to their own work, but also the strong culture that exists within the Matildas.”
Montemurro said the Matildas would not take hosting the tournament lightly.
“The team is ready, focused and determined to make the nation proud,” he said.
Australia meet the Philippines in the opening match of the tournament in Perth on March 1 ahead of group games against Iran (Gold Coast, March 5) and South Korea (Sydney, March 8).
Australia’s 26-player squad:
Sam Kerr (capt), Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley,
Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Kahli Johnson, Alanna Kennedy, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman.