We've got a lot of depth in defence, both in centre-backs and full-backs, a strong point in our squad.


We have arguably the best full-back in the world in Ellie Carpenter, who moved between two world-class clubs prior to this season (completing a move from OL Lyonnes to Chelsea). We have another excellent defender in Steph Catley, one of the 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin nominees who won the UEFA Women's Champions League with Arsenal last season - following a fairytale run in which the Gunners completed an ultimate upset by defeating two time reigning champions Barcelona in Lisbon.


It's also impossible to ignore the wonders that Wini Heatley, Clare Hunt and Courtney Nevin are doing for their clubs. Of course, then there's my personal favourite, Charli Grant, unfortunately sidelined until Christmas. While she is a fan favourite (both for club and country) and has Matildas experience, she's been lacking game time at Tottenham (which is also my WSL club), so a move may be on the cards for her.


And we need to talk about some other young talents in defence: Jess Nash, Jamilla Rankin and Charlize Rule are all playing in Europe and I believe they all deserve a pick. But with such a wealth of young defenders, that means that even if she's experienced and obviously makes this 52-player list, you could even make a case for omitting Alanna Kennedy from the actual squad.


As for the A-League, we've got some good defenders in Alexia Apostolakis, Tash Prior and Tori Tumeth who could potentially make the cut, as well as potentially Kayla Morrison if FIFA finally approves of her change of association request (as she now has Australian dual citizenship but is still counted as an American by FIFA). Another I would be willing to consider is 22-year-old Emma Ilijoski, currently playing for Aberdeen in the SWPL and is eligible for both Australia (her country of birth) and North Macedonia (her country of heritage). We could also steal Deb de la Harpe from Ireland, as the Australian-born defender only has one cap for Ireland and is an Australia youth international.


My final choice is a special one. While I did say I would prefer a talented young squad, maybe, just maybe, we could bring back Aivi Luik for one last time. The 40-year-old centre-back, who won the Damallsvenskan title with Häcken last month, has not yet retired from football, nor has she even officially announced her international retirement. It would be really special if the Matildas did go on to lift the Asian Cup bidding farewell to her.

Note: Matildas caps and goals as of 2 December 2025, age as of 1 March 2026.