CommBank Matilda Ellie Carpenter wore the captain’s armband for the first time in green and gold in the team’s ‘B’ International Match against Canada on Sunday morning (AEST).
She spoke about her pride at the moment, as well as the team’s preparation for Paris 2024™.
“It was a very proud moment [to wear the captain’s armband],” she expressed. “I love playing for my country and it was a massive honour. To be a part of this group is very special and these girls are a great bunch to be around.”
The right-back started the match before being substituted off at half-time.
“It wasn’t the scoreline we wanted, but I think it was important that everyone got some minutes,” she began. “You could see that everyone put out a good performance – especially the alternates, they’re really pushing us and that’s what we need in this environment.
“This match is very important to fine-tune the things we need to work on for our opening game and the tournament. There were some great passages of play during the game.”
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson praised the performance of goalscorer Sharn Freier in her first start for the team. Her captain for the day Carpenter echoed her words.
“Sharn played out of her skin tonight,” Carpenter enthused. “She’s an amazing player. She’s got so much raw talent.
“I just told her to be comfortable. Be confident. She’s been doing amazing in training here and pre camp, and you could see that on the pitch tonight. She was playing with freedom and she really helped us, she got the goal and her combination on the left side was second to none.
“To come into the lineup as well, last minute. We all told her to just be comfortable and play free that you had been in this pre-camp. It was an outstanding performance and we’re all very proud of her.”
Winonah Heatley was also a player who impressed, making her first appearance in Australian colours after training with the squad for several national team camps.
“A proud moment for Wini,” Carpenter reflected. “She’s been building a lot on and off the field. We’re just happy that she could come and contribute and get to experience this high level.”
Finally, Carpenter expressed that the vibe in the camp was positive as the team prepared for the Olympic Games.
“We’re very close to our opening game against Germany,” Carpenter explained. “This was a great hit out for us. We’re very excited to get to France to hit the ground running.”
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
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
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