Yesterday saw the final player arrivals for the CommBank Matildas into Melbourne ahead of their clash with Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalists, Sweden, at AAMI Park on Saturday, 12 November 2022.
Among the final arrivals were captain Sam Kerr and in-form Arsenal duo, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord.
Vice-captain Steph Catley returns to play at home for the first time since the 2019 Cup of Nations and the proud Victorian spoke to the media today ahead of our first training session.
The Melbourne weather turned it for CommBank Matildas vice-captain and local, Steph Catley, as the defender made her first appearance at training.
Wednesday marked the first training session with the full squad with Catley stating the team’s focus on defensive principles heading into a match against a world-class opponent in Sweden.
“We just looked at some defensive principles and a bit about their [Sweden’s] line-up, the different things that they do going forward and how we can nullify that as best we can,” said Catley.
“They are a dynamic team, have got a lot of good players, and very good in the final third. We looked at a lot of those different things and sort of how we can capitalise on our end too.”
Catley spoke about the side's defensive performance in their last camp, with wins over South Africa and Denmark in Europe.
"As a defensive line, you're always proud of clean sheets and being a unit and working together, and that's something we really focused on the last camp."
The defender comes into the camp off the back of a game to remember in the WSL, Catley scored a wonderful 'Olimpico' in Arsenal's 4-0 win over Leicester City as the Gunners extended their unbeaten streak to 14 games, setting a WSL record.
"It's always nice to get on the scoresheet. It's something that I don't do often, maybe once a year," she said.
"So that's my goal ticked off for the first one.
"I've always been involved in set-pieces in my career, but recently I've really sort of homed in on it - (trying) to get my technique right and mix up my deliveries and make sure I've got a few different weapons."
The entire squad completed their first training session today in Melbourne ahead of Australia's game against Sweden on Saturday.
For all the latest news and information regarding the two-games series, stay updated via the official Commonwealth Bank Matildas website.
CommBank Matildas v Sweden
Date: Saturday, 12 November 2022
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 2:45 pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Buy tickets now!