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Matildas coach signs long term contract, names squad for New Zealand series

Lisa de Vanna caught the attention of the review panel - although she would have got away with it if it weren't for those meddling cameras. (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)
23rd May, 2016
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Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic has named a 20-player squad in preparation for the Rio Games farewell series against New Zealand. He also cemented himself in his role by signing a new four-year contract.

Stajcic was initially appointed as interim coach of the Matildas in April 2014. The new deal will see him lead Australia into the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Japan Olympic Games.

Eight overseas players have been named in the squad which includes big name players like Steph Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight, Kyah Simon, Emily van Egmond and Lydia Williams.

Sydney FC defender Teigen Allen will return to the national side for the first time since 2014, the only player named who wasn’t part of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 qualifiers in Japan back in March.

Forward Samantha Kerr will miss out on the series while she recovers from surgery.

Matildas squad:
Teigen Allen – Defender 37 Caps
Laura Alleway – Defender 43 Caps
Mackenzie Arnold – Goalkeeper 9 Caps
Tameka Butt – Midfielder 54 Caps
Ellie Carpenter – Defender 2 caps
Stephanie Catley – Defender 47 Caps
Caitlin Cooper – Defender 5 Caps
Larissa Crummer – Forward 9 Caps
Lisa De Vanna – Forward 110 Caps
Casey Dumont – Goalkeeper 1 Cap
Caitlin Foord – Midfielder 43 Caps
Katrina Gorry – Midfielder 42 Caps
Michelle Heyman – Forward 46 Caps
Elise Kellond-Knight – Midfielder 69 Caps
Alanna Kennedy – Defender 41 Caps
Chloe Logarzo – Midfielder 6 Caps
Clare Polkinghorne – Defender 85 Caps
Kyah Simon – Forward 63 Caps
Emily van Egmond – Midfielder 52 Caps
Lydia Williams – Goalkeeper 52 Caps

The farewell matches against New Zealand will take place in Ballarat on the 4th of June, and in Melbourne on the 7th of June.

FFA Ceo David Gallop sung praises of Stajcic in today’s statement:

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“Alen has done a remarkable job in achieving results with the Matildas, but his work on the team culture and player development has been equally significant,” said Gallop.

“My satisfaction comes from seeing a coach who honed his skills in Australia and shows a huge personal and professional commitment to the game leading our nation against the world’s best.

“He’s grown into a true leader who represents the ambition and dedication required to make Australia a top football nation.”

Stajcic responded by saying:

“I’m really honoured about the trust placed in me to continue with the Matildas,” said Stajcic.

“We have come so far over the past two years, but there’s no limit to what this group of players can achieve.

I’m very happy on a personal level, but I think it’s also important for the program to have this certainty. The timing helps our focus on Rio.”

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Stajcic turned to the topic of his squad, saying:

“This squad will obviously contain a lot of the players that will head to Rio but it’s certainly not 100 per cent finalised yet,” said Stajcic.

“There’s still a chance for players to put their hand up and again we’re trying to increase the depth of the team so we can be as competitive as we can internally and on the international stage as well.”

“This is actually the only time we’ll be together as a full squad prior to arriving in Brazil so I’m really happy to have the whole squad together and it makes this camp even more precious and the two matches against a quality opponent even more important,” said Stajcic.

“Being the only two matches we play before we head over to Brazil, these two hit outs against New Zealand are extremely important. We’re very fortunate that we’ve got a world class opponent on our door step and we’re thankful they are coming over for the two matches.”

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