As the Matildas prepare to kick off their Paris 2024™ Women’s Football Tournament next week against Germany, get to know the squad representing Australia in France.
Over the next few days, we will take a closer look at the players selected in each position. Next up, the defenders.
READ MORE: Meet the Paris 2024™ Squad: The Goalkeepers
Meet the Paris 2024™ Squad: The Midfielders/Forwards
Ellie Carpenter (Vice Captain)
Debut: 2/3/2016 v Vietnam
Matildas Cap Number: 197
Jersey Number: 12
Appearances (goals): 77 (4)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 & 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 & 2022, Olympic Games 2016, 2021 & 2024.
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais, France
Junior Club: Cowra and District JSC (NSW)
Ellie Carpenter had big dreams growing up in the small town of Cowra in country New South Wales - and now, with a football career that has sent her to all corners of the globe, the attacking right full-back is one of the best players in the world in her position.
Carpenter started her A-League Women ’s career with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2015 before moving to Canberra United two seasons later. Her prodigious talent was recognised early, winning A-League Women ’s Young Footballer of the Year three years in a row from 2017 - 2020.
A Matildas' debut soon followed during the side’s successful Rio 2016 Olympic Qualification campaign with Carpenter becoming the first Australian international footballer born in the 21st century. The 16-year-old impressed enough during that qualification tournament, and subsequent selection camps, to be a part of the final squad for the Rio 2016 Olympics Games as the youngest member of the Australian Olympic Team.
Carpenter continued her upward trajectory when she debuted for the Portland Thorns in 2018, becoming the youngest player in the NWSL at that time. The defender spent three years in the United States before a dream move to Europe’s most successful club side, Olympique Lyonnais, materialised in 2021.
During her time with Lyon Carpenter has won three League titles, two French Cups, two UEFA Women ’s Champions League titles and been named in the Division 1 Féminine Team of the Year on three occasions.
Carpenter overcame an anterior cruciate ligament injury leading into the FIFA Women ’s World Cup 2023™ to start every game at the World Cup for the Matildas. A dynamic, attacking-minded and tenacious defender, the 24-year-old young veteran has moved into a leadership position for her third Olympic Games as Matildas vice-captain.
Steph Catley (Captain)
Debut: 24/6/2012 v New Zealand
Matildas Cap Number: 177
Jersey Number: 7
Appearances (goals): 127 (5)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, 2019 & 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2014, 2018 & 2022, Olympic Games 2016, 2021 & 2024.
Current Club: Arsenal, England
Junior Club: East Bentleigh, SE Cougars (VIC)
The ever-dependable and reliable Steph Catley has featured in every major tournament involving the Matildas over the past decade. Starting her career as a goalscoring forward, Catley debuted for her hometown club, Melbourne Victory, at just 15 years of age.
As the years progressed, the left-footer moved to the backline to utilise her passing ability and speed as a fullback. Touted early as a future leader, the proud Victorian enjoyed five years with Victory, captaining them to a coveted A-League Women’s Championship. The NWSL came calling in 2014 with the defender venturing overseas with the Portland Thorns.
This was the first of five seasons in the NWSL, returning to play in the A-League Women’s in the United States off-season. Steph signed for Victory’s cross-town rivals - the newly formed Melbourne City - in their inaugural invincible season in 2015/16.
A stint at Orlando Pride followed, and a return to Melbourne City on loan saw Catley captain the side to Championships in 2016/2017, 2017/18, and again in 2020. Considered one of the best left-backs in the world, Catley made a significant career move to Arsenal WFC – then the most successful club in the English women’s game - alongside fellow Matilda, Caitlin Foord.
Always set to be a key member of the Matildas squad for the home FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a late injury to captain Sam Kerr meant that Catley took on the responsibility of the captain’s armband in Kerr’s absence. The 30-year-old captained Australia in five of their seven World Cup matches helping secure Australia’s best finish at a FIFA World Cup. Catley is set to reprise her leadership role at the Paris 2024™ Olympics as she leads the Matildas at her third Olympic Games.
Clare Hunt
Debut: 16/2/2023 v Czechia
Matildas Cap Number: 224
Jersey Number: 15
Appearances (goals): 20 (0)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Olympic Games 2024.
Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain FC, France
Junior Club: Grenfell Junior Soccer Club (NSW)
Clare Hunt’s rise to the Matildas has taken a unique path. Growing up in the country NSW town of Grenfell, the 25-year-old debuted for Canberra United in 2015 before moving to Sydney in 2021 to play with the Western Sydney Wanderers. Unfortunately, her promising start was halted by a number of injury setbacks that plagued her early career.
Hunt has conquered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a shoulder reconstruction and a broken ankle, among other injuries. Upon her return to the pitch, the commanding centre-back demonstrated the calmness, composure, and defensive ability that she would become known for. Hunt was voted in the PFA A-Leagues Team of the Season in 2022/23, her form earning her a debut with the Matildas during the Cup of Nations in February 2023.
Subsequently, Hunt played a significant role during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ starting every game at centre-back. The previously unheralded defender drew international attention with her reliable performances against some of the world’s best attackers.
It would be French giants Paris Saint-Germain who won her signature for the 2023/24 season, and she would help them to a French Cup trophy in her first overseas stint. Paris 2024™ marks Hunt’s debut at an Olympic Games and her second major tournament with the national team in as many years.
Alanna Kennedy
Debut: 24/6/2012 v New Zealand
Matildas Cap Number: 178
Jersey Number: 14
Appearances (goals): 125 (9)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, 2019 & 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2014, 2018 & 2022, Olympic Games 2016, 2021 & 2024.
Current Club: Manchester City, England
Junior Club: Campbelltown Cobras SC (NSW)
Alanna Kennedy has been a mainstay at the heart of the Matildas' defence for more than a decade and will be a key member of the defensive unit in her ninth major tournament at Paris 2024™.
The centre-back - born in Campbelltown - signed her first A-League Women’s contract in 2010 for Sydney FC. In a search for consistent match minutes, Kennedy was a journeywoman throughout the early stages of her career, representing the Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Perth Glory before signing her first overseas contract with the Western New York Flash in the NWSL in 2016.
Four seasons at Orlando Pride followed - interspersed with trophy-winning seasons at Melbourne City and back at Sydney FC - before making her way to the English WSL in 2020. Kennedy played one season with Tottenham Hotspur before heading up north to WSL giants Manchester City, where she helped them win the League Cup in 2022.
Kennedy made her international debut in 2012 and has not missed a major tournament since, including participating in both Rio 2016™ and Tokyo 2020™. In addition to her defensive duties, the dead ball and set-piece specialist has scored nine goals for Australia. The 29-year-old travels to her third Olympic Games as an experienced part of the spine of the team and a leader in defence.
Clare Polkinghorne
Debut: 19/6/2006 v China
Matildas Cap Number: 140
Jersey Number: 4
Appearances (goals): 168 (16)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 & 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2008, 2010, 2014, 2018 & 2022, Olympic Games 2016, 2021 & 2024.
Current Club: Kristianstads DFF, Sweden
Junior Club: Wynnum Wolves, Capalaba Bulldogs (QLD)
Clare ‘Polks’ Polkinghorne is Australia’s highest-capped player of all time and is the heart and soul of the Matildas. The defender made her record-breaking 152nd appearance for Australia during the 2023 Cup of Nations, surpassing fellow central defender Cheryl Salisbury’s record, marking her monumental game with a goal against Czechia.
After debuting in 2006, she was part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007™ squad, and the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph - the first Australian side to win a trophy in Asia. She went on to be selected in the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squads. Polkinghorne has also represented Australia at the Rio 2016™ and Tokyo 2020™ Olympic Games.
In Clubland, Polkinghorne is best known for her 13 years at Brisbane Roar, winning two Premierships, two Championships, and two Julie Dolan Medals between 2009 and 2021. She has also featured in the NWSL with Houston Dash and Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, where she currently plays for Kristianstads DFF.
The 35-year-old’s experience and calmness in the heart of defence - and her knack for finding a way to score from set pieces - will hold the Matildas in good stead as they take on the best teams in the world in Paris. Exhibiting remarkable longevity, Polkinghorne is set to attend her third Olympic Games and 13th international tournament for Australia.
Kaitlyn Torpey
Debut: 24/02/2024 v Uzbekistan
Matildas Cap Number: 227
Jersey Number: 3
Appearances (goals): 5 (1)
Current Club: San Diego Wave FC, USA
Junior Club: Olympic FC (Football QLD)
Following a rapid ascent, Kaitlyn Torpey has been selected for her first major tournament with the national team after impressing since her debut in February 2024.
The Queenslander started her senior club career with hometown club Brisbane Roar in 2016 where she lined up in orange for five seasons. However, it was her move to Melbourne City when the full extent of her skills became evident. Utilised as a full-back - albeit with the ability to play further forward if needed - Torpey’s ability at both ends of the park proved a valuable asset to City. In her own words, 2023 was a year where she worked “harder than she’s ever worked in her life.”
That hard work paid off in two major ways. First, signing for the San Diego Wave in the NWSL in February 2024 then, just one week later, she was called up to represent the Matildas in Round 3 of Olympic qualification against Uzbekistan.
Torpey debuted in the first leg of the tie and scored her first Matildas goal in the second. The 24-year-old has been a regular in Gustavsson’s side ever since. Another of the fleet-footed, attacking-minded and versatile defenders, the Queenslander will head into her first Olympic Games at Paris 2024™ hoping to make her tournament debut.
Charlotte Grant (Travelling Alternate)
Debut: 21/9/2021 v Republic of Ireland
Matildas Cap Number: 214
Jersey Number: 20
Appearances (goals): 26 (1)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022, Olympic Games 2021.
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur FC, England
Junior Club: Cumberland United Women’s FC (SA)
Charlotte ‘Charli’ Grant’s driving runs up the line have been ever-present in and around the Matildas for the last three years since her international debut. Born and raised in Adelaide, she began her senior club career with Adelaide United in 2018/19, where she played for three seasons.
It wasn’t until she moved overseas to play in the Swedish Damallsvenskan with FC Rosengård, and later Vittsjö GIK, that Grant began to catch the eye of the national team hierarchy. Grant was part of the Tokyo 2020™ squad that finished fourth but did not make her Matildas entrance until September 2021.
She became a key cog in the squad when right-back Ellie Carpenter was sidelined with an ACL injury in June 2022. Grant was a natural replacement for Carpenter and with regular game time, the South Australian thrived.
The full-back was part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ squad that made history. Following a breakthrough 12 months, Grant earned a significant move to the WSL to play with Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024.
Courtney Nevin (Travelling Alternate)
Debut: 10/6/2021 v Sweden
Matildas Cap Number: 211
Jersey Number: 19
Appearances (goals): 27 (0)
Major Tournaments: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022, Olympic Games 2021.
Current Club: Leicester City, England
Junior Club: Oakville Ravens SC (NSW)
A graduate of the Future Matildas program, Courtney Nevin has been a regular fixture in Matildas squads since her debut in 2021. Nevin began her club career in 2018/19, lining up for hometown club Western Sydney Wanderers.
It was after her final season at the Wanderers in mid-2021 that she would make her debut for the Matildas against Denmark, subsequently earning selection in the 22-player squad for Tokyo 2020™. The full-back signed for Melbourne Victory for the 2021/22 season, helping them to a Championship and earning her first senior silverware, before making the move overseas to Hammarby IF in Sweden.
In January 2023, Nevin earned a loan move to Leicester City, the club where she has so far found her feet. Nevin’s first season with the Foxes saw her nominated for Player of the Month after picking up three assists and helping keep one clean sheet. The defender went on to feature in the remainder of the Foxes’ 2023 WSL games, helping the team avoid relegation.
Nevin was a part of Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ squad and subsequently signed permanently for Leicester City, where she has made a further 16 appearances despite an injury-disrupted 2023/2024 campaign.
AUSTRALIA | MATCH SCHEDULE | PARIS 2024™ OLYMPIC GAMES
Germany v Australia
Date: Thursday 25 July 2024 (local) / Friday 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: Sunday 28 July 2024 (local) / Monday 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: Wednesday 31 July 2024 (local) / Thursday 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)