CommBank Matildas Announce Extended Squad for Slovenia and Panama Series

Joe Montemurro, the newly appointed coach of the CommBank Matildas, has announced the squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s International Window in Western Australia. This squad of 33 players marks the beginning of an important phase for the team as they prepare for major tournaments like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in Brazil, and the Los Angeles 2028™ Olympic Games.

The extended window for AFC nations allows for greater flexibility in player selections, with a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent making the cut. The four upcoming matches will provide a platform for a wider group of players to showcase their skills, with some participating in all four games and others joining based on various factors like their domestic season schedules, individual needs, and strategic planning.

Coach Montemurro expressed his excitement about this moment, highlighting the importance of building strong foundations during this window. He emphasized the significance of creating a cohesive team environment, understanding the team’s style of play, and fostering a high-performance culture to support player development.

Two new faces in the squad, Grace Kuilamu and Adriana Taranto, have earned their first senior call-ups, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent. In addition, five uncapped players have been selected, and 16 players with less than 10 senior appearances will have the opportunity to prove their worth on the field. This extended squad provides a unique chance to assess emerging players and expand the pool of talent available to the national team.

Returning players like vice-captain Ellie Carpenter, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, and forward Hayley Raso are set to make a comeback, adding experience and depth to the squad. However, some senior players will be absent from the upcoming window, including captain Steph Catley, forward Caitlin Foord, and others.

Coach Montemurro is eager to begin working with this diverse and talented squad, using this opportunity not just to prepare for upcoming matches but to lay the groundwork for the team’s future success. The focus is on exploring new talent, giving players a taste of the national team environment, and assessing the team’s progress as they embark on this next chapter.