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Home sweet home! Matildas amped for return to Australia in clash with Brazil

Melissa WoodsAAP
Fans will be able to watch Sam Kerr and the Matildas against Brazil in Sydney on October 23.
Camera IconFans will be able to watch Sam Kerr and the Matildas against Brazil in Sydney on October 23. Credit: AP

Sam Kerr headlines a 23-player squad for the Matildas’ first games in Australia since March 2020 and new coach Tony Gustavsson’s first trip to Australia.

Facing two matches against fierce-rivals Brazil at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium - the first on October 23 - the Matildas are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Republic of Ireland last month.

Manchester City winger Hayley Raso (shoulder) and Aston Villa attacker Emily Gielnik (toe) haven’t made the trip, while Chloe Logarzo (ACL) and Elise Kellond-Knight (knee) are also sidelined.

Teenager Bryleeh Henry has been called into the squad but is no guarantee to make her debut against the South American champions, the world No.7-ranked team.

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Taking on the role in September 2020, Gustavsson was excited about steering the Matildas in their first home game in 596 days - with up to 22,500 fans able to attend.

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“Finally - we are so excited to get the chance to play in front of home fans,” the Swede said on Saturday.

“For me personally, first time ever and I can’t wait to get there and the fact that it’s almost a full stadium as well I can only imagine the atmosphere.”

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India less than 100 days away and the World Cup looming in 2023, Gustavsson said it was important to use these games to build towards the big tournaments.

“It’s about who can reach their full potential come 2023 - it’s not just about who is the best but who can become the best so we’re looking at 2023 in all the decisions we’re making right now,” he said.

“It’s all about preparing now and that doesn’t mean we’re not going to try to win, we will always try to win, but not at the expense of preparations.”

It will be the first time the Matildas have assembled since retired star Lisa De Vanna’s allegations of abuse within the side surfaced earlier this month.

Gustavsson acknowledged De Vanna and said the Matildas would continue to work to provide a “safe environment” for all.

“We need to drive for zero tolerance always and put well being as No.1,” he said.

“For me and my staff the No.1 job is to do everything we can in our power to create a safe environment for players and staff - supportive and inclusive.”

Matildas: Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Arsenal). Defenders: Angela Beard (Fortuna Hjorring), Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Emma Checker (Melbourne City), Charlotte Grant (FC Rosengard), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Courtney Nevin (Melbourne Victory), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK), Jamilla Rankin (Brisbane Roar), Karly Roestbakken (LSK Kvinner). Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross (Melbourne Victory), Emily van Egmond (Orlando Pride), Clare Wheeler (Fortuna Hjorring). Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Montpellier), Bryleeh Henry (Western Sydney Wanderers), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Remy Siemsen (Sydney FC), Kyah Simon (Tottenham Hotspur).

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