Olympics 2024: Matildas legend Lydia Williams’ chance to win medal after Games rule change

Just weeks after an emotional send off Matildas retiring goalkeeper Lydia Williams has been handed one last chance to add an Olympic medal to her trophy cabinet.

Just weeks after an emotional send off Matildas retiring goalkeeper Lydia Williams has been handed one last chance to add an Olympic medal to her trophy cabinet.

A late rule change means the four alternate players will now be considered as part of the women’s football teams and classed as Olympians. Matildas’ Coach Tony Gustavsson will still only be able to take 18 players into each match but can select that squad from his 22-woman roster.

It means Sharn Frier, Courtney Nevin, Charli Grant and Williams, the alternates, can be called upon at any stage in the tournament.

Williams, who competed at Rio and Tokyo, will now have a chance to end her international career on a huge high, instead of from the stands.

Lydia Williams was tearfully farewelled last month, but she could have one more chance to win an Olympic medal. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Under the previous rules Gustavsson could only call on the alternates if one of his 18-player squad suffered a tournament ending injury.

The alternates were allowed to train with the squad but not stay in the same accommodation and were not counted as Olympians.

The rule changes mean all four alternates are classed as Olympians and can stay with the team.

Coaches, in particular French coach Herve Renard, have been calling for the changes to help better manage player loads and reduce the risk of injuries such as ACL tears during the intense tournament with games every three days- or six matches in sixteen games for the two teams who make the gold medal play off.

Tony Gustavsson, pictured embracing Lydia Williams, will be able to use alternates as squad members after a rule change. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The expanded roster means Gustavsson can spread the load among the group- some of which have played more than 1000 minutes for their clubs this season.

Vice--captain Ellie Carpenter, talking from the Matildas training camp in Spain, said they hadn’t been told about the rule change.

“That is similar to the way it worked in Tokyo, you could put alternates in and alternate them into the squad,” Carpenter said.

“I think that creates more depth, and allows you to rest some players weigh into your selection.

“We have four great alternates and they are ready to step in and help the team whenever they are needed.”

Matildas will play a final pre-Olympics game against reigning Olympic champions Canada in Spain at 5am on Sunday (AEST).