Heather Garriock on Matildas and football’s biggest challenges

Heather Garriock is under no illusion this is a critical time for football in Australia, and the former Matilda has outlined her biggest challenges – and a “game changer” on the way.

Though only serving as interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock is resolute in making necessary changes to restore financial stability and unify the organisation at every level.

Garriock, who has been on FA’s board since 2021, was elevated to the top job when CEO James Johnson resigned – less than a year out from the Asian Women’s Cup to be held in Australia.

Days later The Australian revealed FA had posted a $9 million loss for its most recent financial year.

In the lead up to Johnson leaving three key lieutenants also handed in their resignation letters: general manager of media and communications Rebecca Trbojevich, general counsel and head of integrity and business affairs Mel Mallam and Matildas media manager Ann Odong, who will finish up in June, while they’ve also restructured internally.

Heather Garriock speaks during the 1974 Socceroos Commemorative Lunch at NSW Parliament House. Picture: Getty Images for Football Australia

There have been a number of issues such as player pay disputes happening in the background and controversy surrounding Sam Kerr.

The retired Matilda said her relationship with the players was a big benefit.

Her priorities list, set by the board, is long and includes locking in a new Matildas coach, sorting out FA’s financial situation, preparing for the Asian Cup and bringing the organisation back together.

Garriock, who has previously served as the CEO of Taekwondo Australia, is confident she has the skills to build on what Johnson had started at FA.

SEARCH FOR A NEW COACH

It has been nine months since Tony Gustavsson was let go following the disastrous Olympic campaign in Paris.

And there are just three windows or 12 games remaining before the Asian Cup arrives on Australia’s shores.

The Matildas are under pressure to do what they haven’t since 2010 – win a major tournament.

Lyon's Australian head coach Joe Montemurro is tipped as favourite to be named as the next head coach of the Matildas. Picture: AFP

For that to happen they need the right coach – which is why Garriock has scoured the globe searching for the perfect person. It is down to a two person race. With Garriock confident a decision will be made and a contract signed in June.

Lyon women’s coach Joe Montemurro is FA’s top target. The Australian coach who has won titles all around the world is contracted to the French club, arguably one of the biggest football clubs in the world, until 2027.

“Nothing is locked in but we’ve got a plan. That’s the most important thing,” Garriock said.

TAKING THE JOB

Garriock said after Johnson resigned the board approached her about taking on the interim CEO role.

“He’s left a foundation for us to work with from a Football Australia perspective and it was only sensible to bring someone into the business on an interim period to be able to stabilise and given my oversight and knowledge, from a board perspective and a football perspective and my CEO and administration expertise it was suggested that I consider the role,” Garriock said.

“I thought it was a great fit, given what we need to achieve over the interim period.”

The board plans to undertake a global search for the next full-time CEO.

Garriock said she hadn’t been given a time frame on how long her interim role would last nor had she stopped to consider if she wants to put her hat in the ring for the gig on a permanent basis.

“I’ve been given a mandate by the board and that is to focus on the interim period and that is the only thing I am focused on,” she said.

“I haven’t even thought about beyond that.”

Steph Catley poses for a selfie with Matildas fans at an open training session in Brisbane. Picture: Adam Head

PRIORITIES

Despite only being in charge on an interim basis Garriock isn’t afraid to step in and make any changes she thinks necessary for the betterment of Football Australia.

With the annual report, which includes FA’s financial situation, yet to be discussed at the AGM, Garriock was restricted to what she could comment on regarding reports of the organisation’s $9 million loss.

“What’s exciting is that whenever there’s a changing of the guard there is going to be change,” Garriock said.

“If you look at our financial situation there will be more detail of that at the AGM and that can be reported on in more detail.

“I’m excited to be able to come in and work as a team and implement some changes within the organisation that are much needed and exciting changes for the betterment of football in Australia.”

The Socceroos are fighting to qualify directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

With the home hosted Asian Cup fast approaching, a men’s and women’s World Cup on the horizon and 2028 Olympics Garriock said there was no time to waste and changes needed to be made.

“This is absolutely critical,” Garriock said.

“It’s going to be game changing and I really think it’s an exciting opportunity to make key changes and changes that connect and unify the football family from top to bottom and bottom to top.

“Connection and relationships are really important to me and that’s what I’ll be doing both internally and externally.”

There have been reports of tension between the Matildas and Football Australia following a pay dispute that dragged on through several windows.

Heather Garriock, a former Matildas player, will serve as interim CEO of Football Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Once source told Code Sports players had even been asked to take a significant pay cut in the lead up to the She Believes Cup in January.

As a former Matildas’ player Garriock said she had existing relationships with the players.

“Having a former Matildas with any current players or former players is really important, it helps,” Garriock said.

“What you see is what you get with me, I’m very open and transparent and firm in my decision making and I would say respected in the football family.

“I think our ecosystem is incredibly complex but it is about uniting and working together because it’s a global sport and it’s important that we work as a team internally and externally.”

Garriock’s mission for unity extends to retired Matildas player Lisa De Vanna. The striker has been vocal about her issues with Football Australia and treatment.

“Lisa is a legend of the Matildas and someone that paved an incredible pathway to our current generation and to the next generation,” Garriock said.

“There’s nothing more that I would want than for all our former players to be on our journey together and unifying together, it’s no different for Lisa.”

Originally published as Heather Garriock on Matildas and football’s biggest challenges