The Matildas are playing Argentina right now at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. But it’s not just any game — it’s kind of a special one. It marks 15 years since they won the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which was a pretty big deal back then. Tom Sermanni, who’s stepped in as interim coach again, is leading the team for what’s actually his 150th match. That’s a huge milestone, honestly.
But yeah, the team’s not at full strength. A bunch of big names are out — Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, and Ellie Carpenter. Some are injured, others are just taking a break. Still, the team’s holding it together. We’re seeing some new faces getting a chance. Kahli Johnson is making her debut, and Amy Sayer is stepping up too. Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Steph Catley — all from Arsenal — are there, but they’re not playing the full match. Just a few minutes, probably to keep them fresh.
Coach Sermanni Speaks Up About Local Women's Football
Tom Sermanni didn’t just talk football tactics — he actually brought up something a bit more serious. He’s not too happy with how the A-League Women is being run right now. He said what a lot of people have probably been thinking: the league just isn’t where it needs to be.
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He mentioned there’s not enough money going into it.
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Clubs don’t have enough full-time staff.
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Player contracts are short-term, and that’s not ideal.
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Only a few clubs seem to have the kind of setup you’d expect from a proper pro team.
He made it clear that after how well Australia did in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it’s kind of disappointing that the domestic league still isn’t getting the support it needs. He’s hoping for some real change, not just talk.
Update on Sam Kerr’s Injury
There was some good news though — especially if you’re a Sam Kerr fan. She’s still recovering from that ACL injury she picked up back in January 2024. But Sermanni gave an update, and it sounds like she’s doing pretty well.
He said she’s been working hard on her rehab and there’s been solid teamwork between Chelsea’s medical team and the Aussie staff. They’re all focused on getting her back to full strength. He didn’t say exactly when she’ll be back, but you could tell he’s hopeful. And honestly, it’s just good to hear she’s progressing.
Mary Fowler Talks Honestly About Her Injury
Mary Fowler, who also tore her ACL — this time while playing for Manchester City — opened up a bit about how she’s handling it. She was on the Keegan and Company podcast and said something that kind of stood out.
She said that while she cried when she first heard the diagnosis, she doesn’t feel super devastated. Like, yes, she loves football, but it’s not her whole world. She talked about having other passions outside the game, and how she’s actually okay. That’s not something you hear from athletes every day, and it was kind of refreshing, honestly.
What’s Next for the Matildas?
The Matildas will play Argentina again pretty soon — on June 2, this time in Canberra. That match should give even more chances to the younger players or ones who haven’t had many starts yet. With the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup coming up, it’s clear they’re trying to build depth in the squad.
Right now, it’s all about seeing who steps up, especially with so many top players out. It’s not ideal, but it’s a good test — and maybe the kind of challenge that helps the team grow in the long run.
