The CommBank Matildas have ended 2025 in style, with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide.
Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the first half before Hayley Raso sealed the result in the second.
The match was the national team's last one for 2025, and the final game scheduled before hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2025™ in March.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro made six changes to the Starting XI after the team's comprehensive 5-0 victory over the same opponent on Friday evening. The headline change was Sam Kerr, who replaced Amy Sayer in the front three to make her first Matildas start at home in 836 days.
Teagan Micah replaced Mackenzie Arnold in goals, while Kaitlyn Torpey and Clare Hunt were the defensive changes, slotting in for Courtney Nevin and Winonah Heatley. The midfield saw a reshuffle as well, as Clare Wheeler and Alanna Kennedy started in place of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry.
The game started in much the same vein as Friday night, with Australia on the front foot. Hayley Raso hit the crossbar only minutes into the game after a fantastic ball over the top from Kaitlyn Torpey.
While the intent from Australia hadn't changed, New Zealand came out with heightened intensity. They had a golden opportunity in the 15th minute. The Matildas failed to clear after a corner, and the opportunity presented itself in front of goal. Micah made a sharp save to keep it scoreless.
It didn't remain that way for long, however. Sam Kerr played a pinpoint ball in behind to Hayley Raso, who was dispossessed in the penalty area. The ball came perfectly to an onrushing Alanna Kennedy, who made no mistake. Her powerful strike past the goalkeeper was her first goal in national team colours since last year's Olympic Games.
Australia's play featured fluid passing patterns. Kerr often dropped deeper to play a more active part in build-up play as full-backs Torpey and Ellie Carpenter were encouraged to make runs into the penalty area. However, they were not able to come by the same quality of clear-cut chances as Friday.
The Kiwis came close to scoring their first goal of the series when Grace Wisnewski was played in behind just before half time. Her shot forced a fantastic save from Micah, and Australia went into the break one goal to the good.
Montemurro made two changes at half-time. Holly McNamara and Courtney Nevin came into the fray, replacing Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter respectively. The changes meant that Kaitlyn Torpey went from the left side of defence to the right.
The game slowed in the second half as both teams settled into a rhythm. Katrina Gorry and Tameka Yallop were introduced in the 64th minute, perhaps to try to break that rhythm - Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler made way as part of a midfield shuffle.
With the majority of possession and chances, the Matildas wouldn't be denied a second goal. Steph Catley whipped in a corner that found its way into Hayley Raso's path in the 70th minute. Raso struck it sweetly at the top of a half volley and curled it into the back of the net to double Australia's lead.
Raso was withdrawn not long after, enjoying a well-earned rest after a successful two-game window. She was replaced by Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Caitlin Foord had a number of significant opportunities but, despite doing almost everything else right, could not find her way onto the scoresheet. She was replaced by Kahli Johnson in the 83rd minute who made her third appearance for Australia after injuries saw her miss significant parts of the 2025 season.
In the end, Australia would have to be content with a two-goal victory and another clean sheet. The team achieved their stated goals of two victories in this window and will now go back to their club teams as the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™ draws ever closer.
Match Summary
Australia: 2 (Kennedy 17', Raso 70')
New Zealand: 0
Australia: 12. Teagan Micah (GK), 4. Clare Hunt, 6. Clare Wheeler (13. Tameka Yallop 64'), 7. Steph Catley, 8. Kaitlyn Torpey, 9. Caitlin Foord (27. Kahli Johnson 84'), 10. Emily van Egmond (19. Katrina Gorry 64'), 14. Alanna Kennedy, 16. Hayley Raso (23. Kyra Cooney-Cross 76'), 20. Sam Kerr (25. Holly McNamara 45'), 21. Ellie Carpenter (2. Courtney Nevin 45')
Unused substitutes: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (GK), 3. Winonah Heatley, 17. Amy Sayer, 18. Chloe Lincoln (GK), 24. Charlize Rule, 26. Remy Siemsen, 32. Michelle Heyman
New Zealand: 37. Alina Santos (GK), 2. Kate Taylor (32. Emma Pijnenburg 84'), 3. Claudia Bunge, 4. CJ Bott, 5. Meikayla Moore, 9. Milly Clegg (24. Ally Green 76'), 17. Gabi Rennie (34. Kelli Brown 84'), 20. Indiah-Paige Riley, 27. Michaela Foster (10. Annalie Longo 65'), 29. Katie Kitching (26. Maya Hahn 73'), 33. Grace Wisnewski (28. Lara Wall 65')
Unused substitutes: 1. Anna Leat (GK), 11. Olivia Chance, 12. Betsy Hassett, 19. Liz Anton, 21. Victoria Esson (GK), 38. Deven Jackson