Sam Kerr | Pre-Match Press Conference | CommBank Matildas v Philippines

The CommBank Matildas continue their Paris 2024™ Asian Qualifiers Round 2 campaign when they take on the Philippines at Optus Stadium, with Sam Kerr available to media for the pre-match press conference. 

The team completed their MD-1 training session at Optus Stadium, which is set to see 60,000 fans pack in tomorrow to watch Australia take on the Philippines. 

Perth native, and CommBank Matildas captain, looked ahead to the important clash at Optus Stadium, noting the game against their fellow FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ participants will be the biggest of the group.

“It was always the big one for us this tournament,” she explained.

“Last game a few girls got a chance to play and show what they can do. So, there’s lots of competition for spots and everyone’s really ready for tomorrow.”

The teams first faced one another at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, a stalemate at half-time against the Filipinas saw goals to Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler and an own goal help seal a 4-0 victory in the group stage. 

The Philippines came from behind to beat Chinese Taipei 4-1, a brace to Sarina Bolden and goals to Katrina Guillou and Chandler McDaniel.

“They set up in a good block and it’s hard to break down,” Kerr said. 

“I think the hardest thing in football now is when teams set up in that low block and have a fast striker up top like they do in a counterattacking.”

Kerr was on the scoresheet in Australia's win over IR Iran on Friday night, scoring in her hometown when she doubled the CommBank Matildas' lead to end the game 2-0, able to celebrate in front of her family and friends who came to watch the game at HBF Park. 

“Of course, it’s nice and fun for our family and friends but it was nice to score in front of the Perth fans,” she said.

 “We haven’t played here in a while, I feel like they’ve always been massive supporters. I hope all the Perth people do come out because I love giving the eastern states a bit of stick about our Perth crowds.”

MATCH DAY 2
Philippines v Australia
Date: Sun, 29 October 2023
Kick-off: 3.10pm AWST
Broadcast: Channel 10 (WA, SA, NT, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS & ACT), 10 Play and Paramount+   
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth|
How to Watch