CommBank Matilda Steph Catley said that the team was using the upcoming two-game International Friendly series against Mexico to move onto the next chapter in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
She was speaking to the media in Sydney as the team assembled for their first day in camp.
“The Asian Cup feels like a long time ago now. So much happens in football, it moves so quickly,” she said.
“Obviously, that last game was a hard one to take. Getting so close to such a big trophy in women's football, it was heartbreaking, but the teams has moved on. I missed the last camp, but the girls are in good spirits, and we're onto our next chapter, which is a World Cup.”
She explained that the next 12 months would provide an opportunity to continue to grow the depth of the squad ahead of the next major tournament.
“We've got a really well-rounded team now. We’ve developed that over many, many years, and I think it's really blossoming,” the 32-year-old expressed.
“We saw, in the Asian Cup, a lot of young players stepping into big roles that haven't played as many minutes. That's part of the process. Now, we've got a little bit of time. Time goes really fast leading into major tournaments, but it's another opportunity for us to breed younger players and to give them big experiences. These games coming up against Mexico will be another chance to do that.
“The value of having experienced players around the team [as well], you can't really replace that. It's leadership, it's knowledge of the game. Going into major tournaments, it's being calm in stressful moments, making big decisions, and taking the weight off the younger players to allow them to flourish and play with no stress and no pressure.
“Experience is something you can't really replace, but there's a balance you've got to bring in. You've got to allow the young players to have time, but also learn from players who have done it before. So, I think we have a really nice balance. The senior players that are here are here on merit. They're playing at the best teams in the world, everywhere in the world, and consistently playing well.”
The games also provide an opportunity for Head Coach Joe Montemurro to continue to embed his principles into the playing style of the team, given that players have less time with their national team than in clubland.
“Joe does have a specific way he wants his teams to play, but I think the girls grasp that really quickly. The more time we have together, though, the better,” she explained.
“In that game against Japan [Asian Cup final], some of the philosophies, and some of the ways that we want to be as a team against some of the best teams in the world came to fruition. We were able to play the way that we wanted to play and take it to a really good team. The lessons from that, and the confidence from that, are important.”
The fullback touched on the recent news of her two-year contract extension with WSL side Arsenal. Catley first signed for the Gunners in June 2020, under Head Coach Joe Montemurro.
“It’s very exciting. It's somewhere that I've really been able to call home for a long time now, and it's the place that I continue to see my football growing,” she said.
“I learn so much there every single day. It's a club that's always pushing boundaries, bringing in amazing players and pushing boundaries in areas off the pitch as well, and it's somewhere I'm really proud to be a part of. Being able to sign there for another bit of time, it's exciting, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us next season.”
Finally, she assessed what the team will learn from their opposition in this window. Mexico are currently ranked World No.27, but have been dominant in recent internationals, winning their last five games.
“Mexico are a great team, so I'm expecting a really tough challenge,” she said.
“We've played against Brazil not too long ago, and everyone watching that game saw it for exactly what it was - both teams absolutely going at it, and a really physical contest. The worst thing you can do is go into a tournament playing against teams like that and having zero experience.
“It takes a lot of mental strength to not get distracted by [physical intensity] and be able to still think about your tactics and stay present and stay calm and not feed into that energy. It's a real fine balance, I think.
“A player like Caitlin Foord epitomises that perfectly. She's always really into the battle and physical, but she's able to play her own game and stay focused and switched on. For all of us, that's a skill that we can learn and take into these games.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | JUNE 2026 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Mexico
Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026
Kick-off: 7.15pm AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
TV Broadcast: Network 10, Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Mexico
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Kick-off: 7.00pm AEST
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
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