Interim coach Tom Sermanni has named four uncapped players in his first Matildas squad.
Sermanni on Friday unveiled his first 23-player squad as Australia prepares for two international friendlies against Switzerland and Germany this month.
The Matildas will take on Switzerland on October 26 (AEDT) and Germany on October 29 (AEDT) during the FIFA international women’s window.
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They are the first two of Australia’s matches in a new four-year international cycle that culminates at the 2028 LA Olympics, and includes the 2026 Asian Cup and 2027 World Cup.
Sermanni is acting as head coach following the resignation of Tony Gustavsson following a disastrous Paris Olympic campaign.
The squad has plenty of experience with Steph Catley named captain, and Ellie Carpenter and Emily van Egmond her vice captains.
Hayley Raso of Australia celebrates scoring a goal with Kaitlyn Torpey Emily Van Egmond. Getty
But the likes of superstar striker Sam Kerr, Teagan Micah and 2023 World Cup hero Cortnee Vine are unvailable due to injuries.
Their absence has allowed Sermanni to bring in plenty of youth.
Emerging young guns Sharn Freier, Winonah Heatley, Kaitlyn Torpey, and Jada Whyman headline the young brigade while Young Matildas graduates Chloe Lincoln and Daniela Galic are among the uncapped players in the squad.
“The last couple of weeks has been a whirlwind of phone calls, text messages and virtual meetings but nothing beats the opportunity to come together face to face,” Sermanni said.
“As we begin the road to the home Asian Cup in 2026, our next two camps are a chance to set the foundations with this October squad featuring a core of experienced members currently playing and training consistently in their club environments.
“The young, uncapped players in Daniela and Chloe come highly regarded thanks to their performances over the last 12 months… They also bring with them significant experience through the development pathway of the youth national teams, Future Matildas’ program and A-League Women.”
“We have six invaluable matches from October to December to cultivate opportunities for players whether they are Australian or overseas based, and I am looking forward to commencing the rewarding work.”
MATILDAS SQUAD
Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sharn Freier, Daniela Galic, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Chloe Lincoln, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Tameka Yallop.