Matildas v Brazil: Remy Siemsen, Bryleeh Henry debut, Mary Fowler scores

One scored a goal, two others made their debut. Meet the generation next – and potentially best – of the Australian Matildas.

One is being touted as the “next Sam Kerr’’. Another one of the best we have seen. And the third a rare talent expected to make a big mark in the sport as the Matildas line their coffers with youth in preparation for the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

On the weekend all three Sydney players hit the pitch together in Australian colours for the first time as Remy Siemsen and teenager Bryleeh Henry made their debuts and Mary Fowler scored her fifth goal for the Matildas.

Teagan Micah hugs Remy Siemsen after she debuted against Brazil.

Siemsen, from the northern beaches, Henry from Werrington Downs near Penrith and Fowler from Bankstown are just three of the Matildas youth brigade being blooded and exposed to high level competition ahead of Australia and New Zealand’s hosting of the World Cup in 2023.

For Siemsen, running on late in the game for her debut was a moment the Sydney FC forward will never forget.

Remy Siemsen soaking in the moment on Saturday.

“I barely got any sleep last night. It felt like Christmas Day,’’ said Siemsen, at 21 the oldest of the trio, on Sunday.

“It’s a dream come true. I have dreamt of this moment for practically my whole life.

“The fans made it amazing. The atmosphere was electric.’

Henry, who plays for the Wanderers in the women’s A-League and the same position as captain Kerr, is 18 like Fowler who scored one of the Matildas three goals on Saturday against Brazil in only her 17th outing for her country.

Mary Fowler scored a goal in Australia; 's 3-1 win.

In her fourth she scored a double against Ireland in September with Saturday’s strike her fifth goal for Australia.

Siemsen said making her debut in front of family and friends in Sydney — and a crowd of more than 15,000 — made the moment more special than she could have imaged.

She also while recent off field controversies “had taken a toll’’ on the team, she has had nothing but positive experiences since being included in the squad.

“My experience in this team and environment have been nothing but positive super and
welcoming, I just feel right at home here,’’ she said.

“I can’t speak more highly of this playing group. They are the most encouraging girls I have ever met and its been an honour to don the green and gold.’’

The Matildas take on Brazil in their second match on Tuesday at CommBank Stadium at Parramatta.

Read more from AMANDA LULHAM HERE