Captain Steph Catley spoke to media after the 18-player squad, plus travelling reserves, was announced to the Paris 2024™ Olympic Team in Sydney on Tuesday morning.
While Paris will mark her third Olympics, Catley stressed that the event never gets any less special for her and her teammates.
“We never take the Olympics for granted,” she expressed. “It’s the most prestigious sporting event in the world, and something I’m very proud to be a part of.”
She outlined where she thought the team was sitting heading into the tournament.
“I think we are in a really good place right now,” the full-back said.
“Some of the experiences we’ve gone through over the last year, especially with the home World Cup – in terms of pressure and major tournaments, we’ve done the highest of pressures, and proven that we can perform under that sort of pressure.”
“We’ve got a lot of work to do still. I think these games are a really good marker to see where we’re at and what we need to improve on, and we do have work to do heading into the Olympics – but we’ve got time, and we don’t want to be peaking right now.”
With such a tight squad, there were players who had been involved with the team in recent camps but did not make the final 18. Catley acknowledged the emotions around selection among her teammates, stressing that flexibility was the biggest factor.
“One of the things that’s most important is having flexibility,” she explained. “You’re going to have more players that can play different roles.”
“I think that’s maybe where it’s put Charli [Grant] out of favour. That’s the space that this team has been in – it’s so competitive, and there’s so many players who have come in and really proven themselves, and been hungry for a spot. It’s a really, really hard thing.”
One of those players who has come in recently and impressed is veteran striker Michelle Heyman. Catley praised Heyman for her seamless transition back into the side after six years away.
“She’s so dynamic,” Catley enthused, “she’s a goalscorer.
“She’s always hungry to score and I think she’s good for our team, leading the line, scoring goals. She’s got an experienced head and for younger players, that’s invaluable. It’s been lovely having her come back in.”
In terms of results, the goal from the playing group is clear – to walk away with a medal.
“I think we’re blessed to have a really amazing legacy from what we’ve done,” she began. “But we’re a really hungry, competitive team, and obviously finishing fourth at two major tournaments… has been hurtful, to say the least.”
“We do want something tangible to take away from what we’ve achieved over the years. But obviously, taking it one game at a time, coming up against powerhouses straightaway in the group.”
“We will go out and do our very best and hopefully make the country proud regardless.”