CommBank Matilda Clare Wheeler reflected that it was “heartwarming” to represent Australia in front of a packed house in her hometown Newcastle against Korea Republic on Monday evening.
She was speaking directly after the 2-0 victory that completed a clean sweep of the two-match series on home soil.
“I feel immense pride representing my country and getting to do it here in Newcastle,” she said.
“From minute one, to the 90th minute, we felt supported. You could hear the crowd today.”
Wheeler had said earlier in the week that her football journey began only minutes from McDonald Jones Stadium and that she was expecting friends and family to fill the stands.
They turned up in numbers - as promised - to support the midfielder.
“I could spot my little group up there,” she smiled.
‘It’s really heartwarming to be able to represent my country in front of them. They've been a really big part of my journey. Every player on this team is going to have a massive support system behind them to make it where they are. You feel so much gratitude to be able to represent your country in front of them.”
Both games against Korea Republic in this window have been full of the physicality that the CommBank Matildas have come to expect against quality opposition. Wheeler was in the thick of things in the centre of midfield.
“I enjoy it! Ever since I was young, I've not been the tallest in the team or the strongest, so I always have a point to prove,” she said.
“When I play games, I want to prove that point. I want to get stuck in there, so that's what I try to do.”
Her midfield partner for this game was Kyra Cooney-Cross. Cooney-Cross has made one of those central midfield spots her own over the past few years, and Wheeler said that she’s enjoying the time they have to build a partnership together.
“With Kyra, I think she's an exceptional player,” she said.
“To be able to play with her more is only advantageous. Not only that, but the group in general - we only get such a short time together, so any minutes we can get together and build partnerships is important.”
The series against the Korea Republic was an important one as the team continues to build towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™. Wheeler reflected on what the team learned after the two games.
“It's really important to play this kind of opposition before we get to the Asian Cup,” she said.
“Two wins, but also two clean sheets, puts us in a really good position to build from here and look forward to March next year.”
Wheeler will now return to club side Everton in the WSL as she looks to see out the season in a positive way.
“I've had a few injuries this year, so it's just about getting back,” she said.
“This was my first 90 minutes back from injury. So for me, it’s just getting some consistent minutes back, getting my fitness back, and then finishing the season strong before we hit that May window.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | MAY/JUNE 2025 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Kick-off: 8.00 pm AEST
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
TV Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Monday, 2 June 2025
Kick-off: 7.30 pm AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets