The Matildas are coming to Victoria after all.
Eyebrows were raised earlier this year when it was revealed that the sports mad state (home to their official training base) had been “snubbed” from the 2026 Asian Women’s Cup, but now the dates have been locked in for a special two-match series in December.
Matildas will take on Chinese Taipei in the series, with the first game to be played at AAMI Park on December 4.
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For the second friendly, the Matildas will make a rare visit to GMHBA Stadium (the home of AFL powerhouse Geelong). It is the first time they’ve played there since 2017.
News Corp reports that the Matildas squad to feature in the friendlies is expected to boast some big names, including Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley.
Catley, who has replaced the injured Sam Kerr as captain, is originally from Melbourne.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said: “The Matildas captured our hearts and we cannot wait to welcome them back to Victoria, giving more people the chance to see their heroes play in their own backyard.’’
It is great news for Victorian fans after the Asian Women’s Cup “snub” (that event has been scheduled for Sydney, Perth and Brisbane).
Victorian fans have shown they can’t get enough of Australia’s favourite football team, with over 50,000 cramming into Marvel Stadium for the thrilling victory over France in July last year, and more than 54,000 turning up to the same venue in February this year to watch the Olympic qualifier against Uzbekistan.
More to come …
