CommBank Matilda Amy Sayer returned to the national team fold for the first time since 28 February, 2024 when she made a substitute appearance against Argentina on Friday evening.
She said that the moment “meant everything” to her after a gruelling rehabilitation process after rupturing her ACL in April 2024.
“It meant everything, especially because this camp was a surprise for me to get called up,” she said.
“I also didn't expect to play so much today. But it means everything, especially with such a great crowd behind us. It was a fantastic feeling.”
Sayer reiterated her words from the start of the week, when she said that she feels stronger than ever before out on the pitch.
“The knee feels really good,” she said.
“I did a lot of work on it. The 11 months of rehab were really intense, so it feels brand new, I'd like to say. I feel really strong.”
She recounted the process of coming onto the pitch, starting from warming up around the 50th minute.
“I just thought it was a regular warm-up, and then they called me to start looking at some set pieces,” she recalled.
“But honestly, I don't think I let the occasion get to me too much. I was just focused on getting on the pitch, doing my job, and contributing in any way that I can.
“The girls did a really good job to get to 1-0, so I didn't have to do too much. I just wanted to come on, keep a clean sheet and play a solid game.”
The 23-year-old now has 12 appearances for the national team. She said that the feeling of walking out in front of large crowds at home – including over 43,000 on Friday – remains as exhilarating as ever.
“It never gets old to have so many fans in the stands,” she said.
“I love hearing them when we're on the attack. Going around after the game and signing autographs, they're all really excited to see us. The novelty never wears off - even though I still feel like just a normal person! It's a great feeling.”
Sayer came into the game as a replacement for Emily van Egmond in the attacking midfielder role, otherwise known as the ’10.’
She said that it is where she believes she can best show off her strengths.
“That's my favourite position,” she said.
“I've been playing as an attacking midfielder in that little pocket space for my team in Sweden, and it's really nice to be there again [in the national team].”
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Monday, 2 June 2025
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets