Ante Milicic named a 23-player squad for the forthcoming Cup of Nations tournament to be held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne – and it doesn't look a whole lot different from Alen Stajcic's squads with no debutants named.
Milicic was assisted with selections by remaining Matildas coaching staff and has selected players who featured strongly in the W-League as well as two players who are currently based in Spain, midfielders Alex Chidiac and Aivi Luik (also previously named by Stajcic).
Notable amongst the absentees are Michelle Heyman and Casey Dumont. Players omitted due to injury include Katrina Gorry, Kyah Simon and Larissa Crummer.
Returning to the national team set-up are Melbourne Victory defender Teigen Allen, Sydney FC’s captain Teresa Polias, and Hayley Raso who has made a remarkable comeback from a broken back sustained while playing in the United States for Portland Thorns last year.
Six of the 23 players are from the W-League champions, Sydney FC, while only three are from the W-League premiers, Melbourne Victory.
In addition, Brisbane Roar FC attacker Allira Toby will train with the squad while the team is in Brisbane.
Milicic said he was looking forward to all the players and staff arriving in camp and getting to work for four days of pre-tournament trianing.
“It is important that we make the most of the next two weeks that we have together both on and off the pitch. With matches and travel in quick succession throughout the Cup of Nations, this tournament will replicate some of the demands that we will experience at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, which will be a good test for everyone involved.”
The Cup of Nations involves host nation Australia as well as New Zealand, Argentina and South Korea. The first two matches will be played next Thursday at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney.
Full squadNameClubA-Internationals (goals)Teigen AllenMelbourne Victory39 (0)Laura AllewayMelbourne Victory57 (2)Mackenzie Arnold (GK)Brisbane Roar22 (0)Tameka ButtMelbourne City74 (10)Eliza Campbell (GK)Perth Glory2 (0)Ellie CarpenterCanberra United28 (1)Steph CatleyMelbourne City69 (2)Alex ChidiacAtletico Madrid, Spain14 (1)Lisa De VannaSydney FC143 (45)Caitlin FoordSydney FC67 (14)Emily GielnikMelbourne Victory24 (5)Princess IbiniSydney FC5 (0)Elise Kellond-KnightMelbourne City102 (1)Alanna KennedySydney FC74 (6)Samantha KerrPerth Glory72 (27)Chloe LogarzoSydney FC37 (6)Aivi LuikLevante, Spain19 (0)Teresa PoliasSydney FC10 (0)Clare PolkinghorneBrisbane Roar112 (9)Hayley RasoBrisbane Roar30 (2)Gema SimonNewcastle Jets8 (0)Emily van EgmondNewcastle Jets82 (18)Lydia Williams (GK)Melbourne City74 (0)