For those watching the latest set of Matildas friendlies again Brazil and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), you may have noticed a set of new faces. It's no secret the team is working hard to train up new talent.
Interim coach, Tom Sermanni has been resolute in his need to prepare the team for the future. And as much as it's sad to consider, retirement is not far off for many of our favourite faces – who are in their early to mid-30s. We've recently had legends like Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne retire from international football. Some signs point to a couple of other retirements in the future.
But when one door closes, it allows another to open, and we're getting to meet a whole host of future Matildas mainstays. And we've been lucky enough to be introduced to some of the future superstars of the team over the last few months. Here are new Matildas players already making waves on the team - and a few crowd-favourites who are finally getting more game time.
2024 debuts to the Matildas
Sharn Freier
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Freier is already a mainstay of the Matilda's team. It's hard to believe she only made her debut in April 2024 in a friendly against Mexico. Even with such a short stint to show off her talent, the 22-year-old was named a sub for the Paris Olympics squad. When not playing for the Tillies, she plays club football at the Brisbane Roar with fellow Matilda Tameka Yallop.
Natasha Prior
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Natasha Prior is one of the most exciting new call-ups to the Matildas squad. She made her debut in the December 2024 game against Brazil - cap 231 for the team. In the three games she's played so far, she already has two goal under her belt. Born in the UK, her father is former professional footballer Spencer Prior, so sporting prowess clearly runs in the family. The 26-year-old is currently signed to the Newcastle Jets.
Winonah Heatley
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She debuted on 28 October 2024 in the friendly against Germany. She had been previously called up in 2021 and 2o22 but didn't make it onto the field. Since her debut, the defender played four international games and was a critical player in the Matildas' wins over Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). She's currently signed to Danish team FC Nordsjælland.
Daniela Galic
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Another 2024 debut, Galic made a splash when she played her first Tillies' game in friendly against Switzerland in October. This made her Matildas' cap 229. Since then she's played another three international games as a midfielder. She's currently signed to FC Twente in the Netherlands.
Leah Davidson
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23-year-old Leah Davidson got to play her first international game against Chinese Taipei in December 2024 and scored. A goal on her debut, it's a rather special moment for any player. We're certainly excited to see more from this midfielder signed to Melbourne City.
Laura Hughes
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Midfielder for Melbourne City, Laura Hughes got her first international call-up in late 2024 and injury replacement. She was put onto the pitch during the 7 December game against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), making her Matildas' cap 234!
Chloe Lincoln
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Goal Keeper Chloe Lincoln is Matildas cap 233, after she was subbed on for Mackenzie Arnold in the 7 December match against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). She's been a mainstay of the U20 team and has played in three major tournaments for that team. She's currently signed to Western United FC.
Morgan Aquino
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She hasn't technically made her debut as she wasn't subbed onto the pitch, but Goal Keeper Morgan Aquino was one of the new faces on the squad for the end of year friendlies. She's clearly a talent as she plays for the DC Power in the NWSL. Who knows what we'll see from her in the future.
The returning crowd-favourites
Emily Gielnik
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She's back. One of the superstars of previous Olympic and World Cup teams, Emily Gielnik is back in rotation. This force to be reckoned with has 12 international goals under her belt in her enviable international career. Gielnik is a forward currently signed to Melbourne Victory. It's great to see her called up to the squad again.
Chloe Logarzo
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Another former mainstay who is back and better than ever. Logarzo was sadly pulled off early due to a concussion scare during the latest set of friendlies, but we're sure to see her back in the future. Logarzo made her Matildas debut when she was just 18 and has played in five major tournaments (including the Rio Olympics and Tokyo Olympics). Logarzo has scored eight international goals and she's currently signed to Western United.
Remy Siemsen
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Siemsen was debuted back in 2021 in a friendly against Brazil. Since then, she's been called up here and there, but not consistently even though she was on the squad for the 2022 Asian Cup. It's incredible to see her back and ready to show off exactly what she can do. Her club team is Kristianstads DFF in Sweden.
Alex Chidiac
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Pocket rocket Chidiac was back on the field after being sidelined for far too long. She wow-ed with some incredible footwork that had the crowd audibly gasp (I know, I was there). She's previously played in two major tournaments with the Tillies including the 2023 World Cup and she has two international goals. Her current club team is the Melbourne Victory.
Bryleeh Henry
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Bryleeh Henry actually made her debut in 2021, but has only had four caps in that time. She was in the lineup for both of the recent games against Chinese Taipei – and even managed to get a goal under her belt! She's currently signed to Melbourne City.
Jessika Nash
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Another Melbourne Victory club player called up to the international squad. Nash made her senior debut in 2021 at just 17, but her appearances since then have been patchy. She's made a huge splash in the U20 division, where she's previous played in three major tournaments. We're sure to see more from her in the future.
Karly Roestbakken
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Karly Roestbakken debuted when she was just 19 back in 2019 during the FIFA Womens World Cup. She's got seven international caps, but it's been a while since we've seen her called up to the team. Although she was called up for the December friendlies in 2024, she didn't actually make it onto the pitch, but we're excited to see more from her in the future. She currently plays for Melbourne City.
Matilda McNamara
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Cap number 223 for the Matildas, Matilda McNamara made her debut in 2022. While she was announced as part of the friendlies' squad against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), we didn't get to see a whole lot of her. She's currently signed to AGF in Denmark, so clearly a talented player. Here's hoping we see more of her in the future.
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