A strong contingent of CommBank Matildas hit the training pitch in Vancouver ahead of this Friday’s series opener against Canada.
Midfielder Emily van Egmond spoke following the session to preview the Canadian clash, reminisce on their last encounter, and discuss her evolving role at the CommBank Matildas and in clubland.
"Yeah, it's been a huge year. It's been a successful year for us. So to finish off the year, strong would be the most ideal way and excited to be back in camp." van Egmond said.
The midfielder previewed the upcoming Canadian clash, talking about the last time we faced the Olympic Champions when Australia defeated Canada 4-0 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
"Hopefully, we can take some of those positives (from the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ game) into this two-game series against Canada. There are a quality opposition, and I've got no doubt they're gonna come out firing," she said.
"We've got a job to do. Looking towards next year, especially in that February window with the qualifications against Uzbekistan. Obviously, we've got the qualification is a short-term term goal for us with Paris a long-term goal."
Sam Kerr (foot), Mackenzie Arnold (arm), Charlotte Grant (hamstring) and Holly McNamara (knee) have been sidelined for the side's final two internationals of the year, with the four players being named to Tony Gustavsson's 23-player squad and having to withdraw due to injury.
"Yeah, it's been amazing to see obviously, new people come into camp to experience it. Ultimately, it adds to add depth and that's just more competition, which is exactly what you want as a country and a national team. So if we can continue to have people knocking on the door, coming in and pushing other people."
van Egmond talked about lifting a historic piece of silverware at clubland, helping the San Diego Wave to the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team sitting in first following the end of the regular season, with the Wave claiming their first trophy in their second year as a club.
"Winning the shield with San Diego was amazing. The World Cup back home was incredible. I don't think much can top that either to play in front of your friends and family on home soil at a prestigious tournament."
The midfielder signed a four-game guest stint with the Newcastle Jets, returning to play for her hometown club in the off-season for the NWSL. Although only halfway through her guest-stint, van Egmond has shown her quality, picking up an assist and a goal in back-to-back games and being nominated for the Player of the Month.
"I've still got a couple of girls that I've played with for many years there, which was always nice to come back and, and share the field with them and again, whatever the girls can take, for my experiences, I'll try to do the best I can lead by example, always and just to make sure we get as many points on the board as we can whilst I'm there," she said.
For all the latest news and information regarding the two-game series, stay updated via the official CommBank Matildas website.
Match Detail
Canada v CommBank Matildas
Date: Friday, 1 December 2023 (local) / Saturday, 2 December (AEDT)
Kick-off: 7.30pm PST (local) / 2.30pm (AEDT)
Venue: Starlight Stadium, Langford, BC
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
How to Watch
