Montemurro names bumper 33-player squad for first games in charge
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has cast a wide net in selecting his first squad, with 33-players set to feature in one form or another across coming fixtures against Slovenia and Panama.
New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has cast a wide net in selecting his first squad, taking advantage of the absence of several established figures and an extended window to call 33 players into camp for games against Slovenia and Panama.
Officially taking charge of the side earlier this month and signing a deal that will take him through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first four games of Montemurro’s tenure will come in Perth: facing Slovenia in a two-game series at Perth Oval on June 26 and 29, before Panama at Bundury’s Hands Oval on July 5 and then Perth Oval on July 8.
Highlighted by regulars Ellie Carpenter, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Alanna Kennedy, ten members of the 33-strong squad will depart following the games against Slovenia. Nine players, including Chloe Logarzo (nee Berryhill), Bryleeh Henry, and Jess Nash, will then join the side for Panama. Making her return from an injury layoff, Hayley Raso is amongst the players that will be available for all four fixtures, as are Emily van Egmond, Holly McNamara, and Charlotte Grant.
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With Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, Cortnee Vine all granted leave, and Tameka Yallop, and Sam Kerr ruled out with injury, Montemurro used his first squad to give maiden international call-ups to Brisbane Roar’s Grace Kuilamu and Western United midfielder Adriana Taranto for the series. The likes of Berryhill, Julie Dolan Medalist Alex Chidiac, her Melbourne Victory teammate Emily Gielnik, new Wolfsburg attacker Sharn Freir, and midfield free agent Jacynta Galabadaarachchi will also return to the squad.
After a strong return to the international fold during last month’s Argentina series, Amy Sayer returns to the fold. However, Kahli Johnson is out with a thigh injury, while Izzy Gomez is also not present.
Popular amongst the established members of the squad familiar with him from his time in the A-League Women, Women’s Super League, or Première Ligue, Montemurro’s arrival has also been greeted warmly by many players on the periphery, seen as representing something of a fresh slate following the largely settled squads of the Tony Gustavsson-era and limited scope for change during the interim stint of Tom Sermanni.
“This group represents a balance of experience and potential, and we’ll use this window to connect, experiment, and move forward with clear intent,” Montemurro said.
“Slovenia and Panama have been strategically scheduled to give us the right mix of conditions and opposition as we begin this phase. With the blend of players in this extended squad, these fixtures allow us to explore tactical ideas, build cohesion, and gradually shape the way we want to play moving into the next cycle.”
The coming window represents the first of three that Montemurro will have with the Matildas before he selects his squad for next year’s Women’s Asian Cup on home soil, with further windows to come in October and November. The coach will be afforded one final opportunity to put his selections through their paces during the February window, before the Matildas commence their Continental campaign in Perth on March 1.
His appointment coming following a belaboured, near year-long search for a permanent coach after Gustavsson’s contract concluded following the Paris Olympics – it was announced in February that Gustavsson would take charge of his native Sweden following next month’s Women's Euros – this limited number of windows and associated contact hours ensures Montemurro will have precious little time to implement his style and philosophy ahead of next year’s tournament.
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While much of the Matildas’ strongest XI would seem largely settled heading into the Asian Cup – Kerr’s long recovery from an ACL injury aside – key questions will face the coach on the back-end, where Tegan Micah is staging a concerted push to supplant Mackenzie Arnold as the side’s number one and the best long-term fit of Catley, be it as centreback or on the flank, will carry its flow-on effects.
“This is a really exciting moment, not just for me personally, but for the grounding work we can undertake in this window,” said Montemurro. “I’m incredibly honoured to step into camp for the first time, and I’m looking forward to connecting with the players, the staff, and the wider football community.
“This window is about setting the tone. We’re laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play, and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive.”
Beyond Montemurro, the coming window will represent the first for assistant coach Emily Husband as a full-time member of the national team staff, alongside assistant Joe Palatsides, set-piece coach Leanne Hall, strength coach Emanuele Chiappero, and analyst James Slaveski.
Matildas Squad – * denotes Slovenia games only, ** denotes Panama games only
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold*, Chloe Lincoln**, Sally James**, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman*
Defenders: Alexia Apostolakis**, Ellie Carpenter*, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley*, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy*, Jessika Nash**, Courtney Nevin, Natasha Prior, Jamilla Rankin
Midfielders: Chloe Berryhill**, Kyra Cooney-Cross*, Alex Chidiac, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi**, Alana Murphy, Adriana Taranto**, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler*
Attackers: Sharn Freier*, Emily Gielnik, Bryleeh Henry**, Michelle Heyman, Grace Kuilamu**, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen*, Kaitlyn Torpey*
Header Image Credit: Football Australia