CommBank Matildas' midfielder Tameka Yallop joked that it was nice to not have to travel far for this window as she spoke to media in her hometown of Brisbane.
The squad is beginning to gather for two games against Brazil on Thursday and Sunday, and then two games against Chinese Taipei in Victoria on Wednesday and Saturday next week.
She said that being back in CommBank Matildas' colours in Queensland sparked memories of their incredible FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ run, particularly their quarter-final victory over France.
“Even just coming back to this hotel, it’s a nice trip down memory lane for us, and to see where the game has come since then,” she said.
“Everyone’s excited to get back into the stadium and to play an opponent like Brazil. They’re top quality, so we know it’s going to be a competitive game of good football and everyone’s excited for that.
She said that this window was a chance to build depth ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
“We’ve got two very different teams [opponents], and that’s great for us looking at our depth and how we go against Asian teams leading into the Asian Cup for 2026,” she said.
The veteran emphasised that regardless of Tom Sermanni’s status as Interim Coach, the team would uphold their own high standards on and off the pitch.
“We always want to go out and play our best football,” she stressed.
“For us, it is about going out and playing Matildas-style football.
“Tommy’s obviously been in before, and a lot of the girls know him, so that’s helped. But for us as players, we like to keep a certain standard.
“Whether we get a new coach tomorrow or the day after, I think we’ll uphold the standards that we’ve always placed on each other.”
Yallop has been in superb form for the Brisbane Roar playing in an attacking midfield, number 10 role.
She was asked about her preference of position and her role as a utility within the CommBank Matildas' set-up.
“Ten is an enjoyable position,” she began.
“[but] I do quite like being a utility player. I do enjoy playing different positions on the field.
“Whether it’s club or national team, I enjoy being able to have some creativity in the final third – but at the same time, the result is what I’m chasing, so if that means a different role for me on the field, then I’ll happily play that.
“I’m enjoying the football at Brisbane Roar and the team’s doing really well. Hopefully, I can continue that in camp now.”
This camp will see a farewell game for fellow Queensland legend, Clare Polkinghorne. Yallop recently passed her appearance record for the Brisbane Roar, where they played 122 times together.
She spoke about her teammate’s impact on the CommBank Matildas.
“Clare’s a legend of the Matildas and of football in Australia, especially with the Brisbane Roar as well,” she said.
“She’s the epitome of the Matildas and 'Never Say Die,' and I think she has been a big part of instilling that sort of attitude within the young girls coming through the team.
“The aim is now to keep what Polks has achieved going within the team.”
Finally, she spoke about the changing nature of women’s football around the world after the withdrawal of Mary Fowler and, earlier, Cortnee Vine from the squad.
“It’s almost a luxury to see where the game is at right now, and how much the sport is growing,” she said.
“That’s a real positive thing, but it does bring a lot of demand as well, and you see it in men’s football too.
“It’s something to be aware of and take care of each other and to know when to take time for yourself as well.
“We’re getting more and more games and more and more visibility, so players do need rest and time to recoup as well.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | NOV / DEC 2024 INTERNATIONALS
CommBank Matildas v Brazil
Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024
Kick-off: 8:00pm local / 9:00pm AEDT
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Brazil
Date: Sunday, 1 December 2024
Kick-off: 6:35pm local / 7:35pm AEDT
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets