CommBank Matilda Clare Wheeler spoke to the media on Tuesday (AEST) as she prepares to head to Paris with the team to compete in her first Olympic Games.
She reflected on the ‘B’ International match played against Canada and how it helped the team’s preparation.
“The preparation we’ve had over the last two weeks has all been towards the Olympics,” she explained.
“Canada is a formidable side. They’re reigning champions of the Olympics and going in there, we obviously had a physical loading plan as well to make sure that we peak at the Olympics. It was a tough game physically but we will be better for it.
“It’s important that we push ourselves physically and also tactically. That game helped us a lot in our preparation.”
Wheeler had to fulfil the role of left-back against Canada, in the absence of Steph Catley and Kaitlyn Torpey. Her versatility at club level for Everton is something that has held her in good stead for the national team.
“It’s important for every player to be able to play somewhere else if needed,” she explained.
“I’ve always said that I just like to make the most of my opportunities and if that’s playing fullback, it’s playing fullback, if that’s playing midfield, it’s playing midfield.
“I’m not someone that really cares as long as I’m representing Australia. Being out there on the park means a lot for me and whatever position I play, I’m going to do my best.”
She did admit that captain Steph Catley gave her some pointers before she headed out to play in that role for the first time for Australia.
“We all lean on each other and she definitely gave me some wise words,” Wheeler recalled.
“I think in the game, it was all about being confident and she said that she’s seen me play there at Everton, and she was confident that I had it covered.
“It really helps knowing that people like Steph, who are some of the best in the world in that position, believe in you. That gives you a lot of belief.”
The squad heads to Marseille on Friday, six days out from their Paris 2024™ opener against Germany. For Wheeler, the new experience of playing at an Olympic Games is an exciting one.
She will have family in the stands to cheer her on and watch her fulfil a lifelong dream.
“To represent Australia here is an honour and a privilege and it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do,” she said.
“You have to take every moment in and enjoy it. That’s my mindset going in – obviously, we want to medal, there’s nothing we want more, but in the moment, we want to take it all in and make the most of the opportunity.
“Getting into the village, I really want to be able to support the other Australian athletes. I think that’s part of the Olympics, where there are so many different sports, so many different athletes. I think being not only an athlete but a spectator and supporter of other Australian athletes in Paris, is something I would love to participate in.”
AUSTRALIA | MATCH SCHEDULE | PARIS 2024™ OLYMPIC GAMES
Germany v Australia
Date: 25 July 2024 (local) / 26 July 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)
Australia v Zambia
Date: 28 July 2024 (local) / 29 July 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Nice, Nice, France
Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)
Australia v United States
Date: 31 July 2024 (local) / 1 August 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)