The names are in and it is now time to run the rule over the players entering Ante Milicic’s camp for the first time.
And what an introduction, with the Westfield Matildas taking on the United States in a crucial May friendly.
Jill Ellis’s side, currently ranked first in the world, will prove a vital test for Milicic’s charges as Australia continue their preparations ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.
We take a look at the recent form of Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Teagan Micah and Elizabeth Ralston, who have been given the chance to prove themselves to Milicic.
Chloe Logarzo, who was selected in Milicic's inaugural Cup of Nations squad before withdrawing through injury, has also been called up.
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Mary Fowler — Bankstown City Lions
Of the four players picked by Milicic for the first time, Fowler is by far the youngest.
The 16-year-old has played three times for the Westfield Matildas and has played her youth football in Australia and the Netherlands as an advanced midfielder and dynamic forward.
Fowler hit the ground running this season in the NSW Women’s National Premier League, grabbing a brace for Bankstown City Lions against the Emerging Jets.
Despite her youth, Fowler has been praised for her attacking instincts and technical ability.
Katrina Gorry — Brisbane Roar
Westfield Matildas fans will be more than familiar with Katrina Gorry, who has won more than 70 caps for the national team.
The Brisbane Roar midfielder had a cracking Westfield W-League 2018/19 season before rupturing the syndesmosis in her left ankle.
With two-and-a-half months remaining before the Westfield Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ opener against Italy, Gorry has come back at just the right time to put herself in contention.
Gorry provides the type of versatility every manager craves and, if she can keep herself fit, is likely to give new coach Milicic a few selection headaches.
Teagan Micah — UCLA, USA
For the hawk-eyed football fan, Micah’s inclusion might not come as a surprise.
The 21-year-old, who currently plays for UCLA in the Pac-12 Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the USA, has a save percentage of just less than 79% and is in her final year at the prestigious university.
Micah was part of Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-League squads for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, when she was only 16 years old, though she did not feature for the club.
She went on to make five starts for the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2015/16 and was part of Australia’s inaugural Tournament of Nations squad in 2017, coming in as an injury replacement for Lydia Williams but not getting any pitch time.
Elizabeth Ralston — Sydney FC
The hard work has paid off for Sydney FC defender Elizabeth Ralston, who at 23 has already played across six seasons for the Sky Blues.
The dominant centre-back was crucial to Sydney FC’s 2018/19 Championship-winning campaign in the Westfield W-League, playing nine games and bossing the Sky Blues’ backline.
She capped off her stellar season with a start in Sydney’s 4-2 win over Perth Glory in the Grand Final, testament to the faith shown in her by club coach Ante Juric.
Since making her debut for Sydney in 2014, the defender has gone from strength to strength, culminating in this call-up to the national side.
The Westfield Matildas take on the United States at Dick's Sports Goods Park on Friday, April 5 at 12:30pm (AEDT).
