Westfield Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni has selected a 23-player squad for the upcoming Westfield Matildas v New Zealand Football Ferns on June 24 in Wollongong.
Westfield Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni has selected a 23-player squad for the upcoming Westfield Matildas v New Zealand Football Ferns on June 24 in Wollongong.
Following three camps in Wollongong and at the Australian Institute of Sport, Sermanni has chosen an Australian based squad that draws largely from players who have shined in the Westfield W-League.
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Youngsters including Melbourne Victory-s Ashley Brown, Brianna Davey and Stephanie Catley and Canberra United pair Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Hayley Raso will all be looking for their Westfield Matildas debut against New Zealand following standout seasons in the Westfield W-League.
2010 AFC Female Player of the Year Kate Gill also returns to the team after a year out with a knee injury.
“Having Kate (Gill) back in the side is fantastic for the younger players as she is an ultimate professional and brings a very good attitude to the entire squad,” said Sermanni.
“While we have a lot of young players in this squad, there is also a solid combination of senior players including Clare Polkinghorne, Thea Slatyer, Sarah Walsh and Melissa Barbieri that will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group.
“We also have some players in the team that haven-t played in the national team for a few years and largely because of the Westfield W-League these players have been able to bring themselves back into the frame for selection.”
Westfield Matildas squad to play New Zealand 24 June 2012, WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Goalkeepers:
Melissa Barbieri (VIC), Brianna Davey (VIC)
Defenders:
Ellyse Perry (NSW), Thea Slatyer (NSW), Laura Alleway (VIC), Ellie Brush (ACT), Caitlin Cooper (NSW), Danielle Brogan (NSW), Emma Checker (SA), Stephanie Catley (VIC)
Midfielders:
Caitlin Foord (NSW), Teigen Allen (NSW), Teresa Polias (NSW), Renee Rollason (NSW), Clare Polkinghorne (QLD), Alanna Kennedy (NSW), Nicola Bolger (NSW) Forwards:
Sarah Walsh (NSW), Kate Gill (WA), Ashley Brown (VIC), Catherine Cannuli (NSW), Georgia Yeoman-Dale (ACT), Hayley Raso (QLD)
All overseas based players have been excused from travelling for the games as the match does not fall in a FIFA window, including Aivi Luik and Michelle Heyman who just won the Danish League with Brondby.