Interim head coach Tom Sermanni of the CommBank Matildas has stated that players from the Ninja A-League will continue to be given chances to join the national team, especially if they excel in Australia’s premier domestic league.
For the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in the US, Sermanni has included six players from the Ninja A-League in his 23-player squad.
Brisbane Roar’s young talent Laini Freier made a surprising entry into the squad following an outstanding start to her A-League career, having netted seven goals in her initial ten professional matches, which included back-to-back hat-tricks.
FULL SQUAD: Surprise debutante among six A-League talents called up by Matildas for SheBelieves Cup
Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara has also earned a much-anticipated return to the Matildas, having fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in November 2023. The 22-year-old has made a successful Ninja A-League comeback in December, scoring three goals and providing one assist in nine games (two starts) over just 348 minutes of play, thus regaining her spot in the international lineup.
FREIER CALLED UP: Meet Australia’s newest Matilda following just 10 professional appearances
After announcing his squad for the SheBelieves Cup, Sermanni highlighted McNamara’s performance as a model for other Ninja A-League players to aspire to, emphasising his commitment to selecting players who shine in the Australian top flight.
“I haven’t had the chance to watch much of Holly due to her unfortunate injury setbacks,” Sermanni remarked.
“When looking at Holly’s qualities, she brings exactly what I want to see from players in the A-League.”
“I often receive queries about picking players from the local competition, and I want to clarify that I need players in the local league to make a strong impression that compels me to select them. That’s the kind of display I want to see.”
“Holly’s immediate return has already showcased those qualities. She’s been explosive, tenacious, makes excellent forward runs, and has a winner’s mentality. I want to see more of that from players in the A-League Women.”
READ MORE
TRANSFER NEWS: Macarthur signs Tunisia international with World Cup experience
ROAR’S NPL SWOOP: QLD’s two-time Player of the Year secures first professional deal at the age of 27
TEEN LOCKED IN: Promising 17-year-old makes ‘easy decision’ to commit future to Roar
TALKING POINTS: Priceless moment captures Socceroo’s instant impact
Alongside McNamara and Freier, Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman, Newcastle Jets defender Natasha Prior, Western United goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, and Brisbane captain Tameka Yallop have also been named in Sermanni’s squad for the SheBelieves Cup.
The Australian side is set to face Japan, the United States, and Colombia in this year’s SheBelieves Cup, marking its 10th anniversary, commencing on February 19.
At 23, Freier is the only player in the squad who has yet to earn a cap. Her first senior international call-up comes just under two months after her professional debut with Brisbane Roar, highlighting how swiftly a player from the Ninja A-League can make a claim for national selection.
FREIER CALLED UP: Meet Australia’s newest Matilda after just 10 professional matches
With seven goals in her first ten league appearances, Freier shares the top position on the Ninja A-League Golden Boot leaderboard.
“What led me to select her (Freier) for this squad was her splendid qualities showcased in the A-League Women, which truly impressed me,” Sermanni explained.
“She’s not only scored goals but also actively contributed to games and created opportunities, demonstrating the kind of form that gives me reason to believe she can rise to international competition.”
“Although her club experience is limited, it’s a perfect opportunity to assess how a player can transition from the A-League directly into international football.”
The Matildas will commence their SheBelieves Cup campaign against Japan in Texas on Friday, February 21 (kick-off at 9.05am AEDT), followed by matches against the United States in Arizona on Monday, February 24 (kick-off at 9.05am AEDT), and Colombia in California on Thursday, February 27 (kick-off at 11.30am AEDT).
R14 TALKING POINTS: Captain’s candid interview following Derby defeat
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
