Sermanni and Wheeler on injuries, opportunities, and carrying momentum forward
CommBank Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler said that playing in her hometown Newcastle against Korea Republic on Monday evening will be “amazing.”
She was speaking alongside Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni at the pre-match press conference on Sunday afternoon. They also spoke about injuries, opportunities for others to step in, and the importance of carrying momentum from victories into preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™.
“Growing up in Newcastle, the first place I kicked a ball was not too far away from the stadium,” Wheeler said.
“I’ve got a lot of family and friends in the stadium, and to play out in front of them is something that I'm really grateful for.”
Wheeler came off the bench to take part in the game in Sydney and is set to line up in midfield against Korea Republic on Monday evening.
It is a welcome opportunity for game time for someone who has missed the previous two international windows with minor injuries.
“Any time that I'm wearing the jersey, I want to do my best, and given any minutes, I just want to go out there and make an impact,” she said.
“As soon as I saw Newcastle on the camp, I was like – ‘I’ve got to make it’. But you can't control injuries sometimes. I try to always just look forward rather than backward and control what I can control.”
Injuries have unfortunately been somewhat of a theme in this international window with Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso and Mackenzie Arnold all forced to withdraw from the camp.
Sermanni gave an update on Arnold after it was announced that she was ruled out of Monday’s game. The injury occurred during training when she landed on her arm awkwardly.
“It's not a major injury, but it's one of those where you just can't take the risk given such a short time between getting the injury and playing the game,” he said.
“It’s one of those injuries that - if it was a cup final tomorrow - you'd probably take a risk. But if she goes out tomorrow and, in the first minute, suddenly has to stretch awkwardly and tears something, she could be out for a considerable amount of time.
“So it's very important with the injury that she's got that we get her back to the club to make sure she keeps established in her club spot, which is really critical for her and for us.”
He explained that while the injuries were difficult, they opened up opportunities for others.
“Every day is challenging for all coaches. It's part of the job,” he mused.
“Three or four days before the camp, everybody was fit and healthy, and then suddenly there's a few that are not fit and healthy. These things are just part of what you have to deal with.
“I've always said, someone's misfortune is someone's good fortune. Those are the moments that open up opportunities for players.”
For Wheeler, she is hoping to continue her good form and remain in the team as the group continues to prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
“A win is infectious around the team, and especially when we're at home, in front of our home fans,” she said.
“Given recent performances in the last couple of camps, it's really good to get back towards what we want to achieve. We want to keep that momentum going into this game as well.
“We only have four or five games left. For me, it's all about putting in my best performances and just getting back to fitness.”
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