On Friday night at Allianz Stadium, the CommBank Matildas defeated Korea Republic 1-0, in Game 1 of their two-game series. One exciting starter was cap number 221, Jamilla Rankin, who made her second national appearance since debuting against Spain in 2022.
"It was pretty surreal. I wasn't really expecting to come into camp and start the first game, but it's always a good surprise," Rankin said of her very first start for the Matildas.
"My family are here today, so that makes it extra special. I didn't think I'd get the opportunity to play in front of them, so representing my national team and having my family there was just a special moment for me."
In terms of her assessment of the match, Rankin explained that it was a good test for the team and a taste of what's to come at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
"The Asian Cup is coming up, and every opportunity we get to play against competition that will potentially be in that tournament is a good learning experience," she said.
"I think we made the most of it tonight and we'll learn from it. We went out there as a team, we played well, we got the win and I think that's all that matters."
For her first start and first international match on home soil, Rankin had the task of marking none other than international great and former Chelsea star, Ji So-yun. She was asked how she felt about taking on players of such high calibre.
"You grow up watching players and then one day you're marking them in a football game, so it's a bit different," she laughed. "It's all a new experience to me, so I'm trying to make the most of it.
"Korea Republic are a super-physical team, and I think we know that we need to match that next game. There are some things in our game that we can improve, analyse and change for the next game on Monday."
Over 37,000 fans packed the stands at Allianz Stadium. The sound of which Rankin won't forget any time soon.
"It was amazing. That was the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of," she said. "I think the fans are amazing and the support we get from Australia is incredible."
Growing up in a small Byron Shire suburb, Rankin's football journey began at Eureka FC. After training under the Newcastle Jets, she signed with Brisbane Roar and later Melbourne City, before the girl from a town of less than 400 people moved across the world to play football in Germany.
"I always knew that I wanted to push my football further and I think the game in Germany is incredible, so I wanted to put myself in the best environment," she explained of her move to TSG Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga.
"I've loved it over there. I've learned so much. I've improved so much, and I think it's put me in the best position to come in here and prove myself in this team as well."
Along with the lessons she's picked up while playing in Germany, Rankin also spoke about how much she's gained by being surrounded by Matildas talent.
"We have players from the top teams in the world playing Champions League, training with the best players in the world, and I think it's such a good experience for me to come in and to be able to learn from them, ask them questions, and just get the opportunity to play with them," she said.
"Steph [Catley] is a big idol of mine. I grew up watching her play and I think today, even getting to play next to her was like a dream come true. I respect her so much. I think she's such a talented player.
"Just the opportunity to play tonight, I'm really grateful."
Commbank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Monday, 7 April 2025
Kick-off: 7:30 pm AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets