Strong Matildas presence in All-Stars squad
Five members of the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup contingent have been named in the A-League All-Stars women’s squad for this month’s clash against Arsenal in Melbourne.
Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, Alex Chidiac, Kyah Simon and Lydia Williams headline the 19-player squad that also includes three other current or former Matildas in Michelle Heyman, Princess Ibini and Elise Kellond-Knight.
Melbourne Victory midfielder Kellond-Knight was thrilled with the chance to play against an Arsenal team that includes three other Matildas – Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross – at Marvel Stadium on May 24.
“I’d never give up the opportunity to play against Kyra again and chase her in the midfield,” Kellond-Knight said.
“Their team is absolutely stacked. They’ve got such high level players. It’s like an international team.
“It’ll basically be like playing a World Cup match.”
Strong Matildas presence in All-Stars squad
The A-League All-Stars women’s squad also includes the competition’s player of the season, Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Sophie Harding, as well as Sydney FC midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby, who was player of the match in the Sky Blues’ 1-0 grand final win over Melbourne City last Saturday.
All-Stars coach Joe Montemurro said the “quality” in the A-League women’s competition was “undeniable”.
“The league has been a proven pathway for Matildas for many years, and more and more we’re seeing current Matildas and other internationals feature across the league,” Montemurro said.
“Within this squad we will have 11 internationals, and it’s a squad that has a great mix of experience, quality and flair that I think will excite the fans, show the best of the league and most of all give Arsenal a real challenge.
“I can’t wait to work with this squad.”
A-League All-Stars Women’s squad:Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams, Jada Whyman. Defenders: Alana Cerne, Micheala Foster, Grace Maher, Danika Matos, Kayla Morrison, Rebekah Stott. Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Mackenzie Hawkesby, Elise Kellond-Knight, Rhianna Pollicina, Tameka Yallop. Attackers: Sophie Harding, Michelle Heyman, Princess Ibini, Kyah Simon, Cortnee Vine, Hannah Wilkinson.