Paris Olympics: Matildas defence can still improve, says Alanna Kennedy

The Matildas did not concede a single goal in Olympic qualifying, but Alanna Kennedy says the defence can improve further.

Matildas central defensive pairing Clare Hunt (left) and Alanna Kennedy have become an impenetrable force since joining forces before the World Cup. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Alanna Kennedy says her imposing central defensive partnership with Clare Hunt is “still growing” as a former chink in the Matildas’ armour looms as one of their biggest weapons in the quest for an Olympic medal.

Australia did not concede a goal during the entire 450 minutes of its Paris qualifying campaign, but at least one reliable back-up option is set to lose their spot as coach Tony Gustavsson embarks on the brutal task of trimming his squad from 23 players to 18.

Kennedy and Hunt’s steadfast partnership is remarkably only eight months old after the former had to overcome a series of frustrating injuries to join newcomer Hunt in the side at last year’s World Cup.

Kennedy said a “successful major tournament” under their belts had given the duo immense confidence in each other but thought there was still room to improve as the Matildas prepare for a sharp rise in the quality of their opposition, beginning with a friendly against Mexico in the US next month.

Alanna Kennedy (left) shares a laugh with fellow defensive stalwarts Steph Catley (centre) and Mackenzie Arnold before the Matildas’ match against Uzbekistan in Melbourne. Picture: Kelly Defina / Getty Images

“We’ve got the World Cup, a successful major tournament under our belt, and I think the relationship we have is a strong one, but it’s still growing as well, each camp and each game,” Kennedy said after the 10-0 demolition of Uzbekistan on Wednesday.

“I’m excited to see how that goes, but also I love playing next to her (Hunt), and I think for the whole back four as a defence, Macca (Arnold) included as well, we’ve got a lot of pride in a clean sheet and I think for us to go through this whole tournament without conceding a goal is something that we’re really proud of.”

Acting captain Steph Catley, right-back Ellie Carpenter and versatile fullback Charli Grant will be locks in Gustavsson’s final Olympic squad alongside Kennedy and Hunt, but a tough decision awaits on whether veterans Clare Polkinghorne and Aivi Luik can both go to Paris.

Polkinghorne, the most capped Matilda in history with 165 appearances, was preferred as a substitute option at the World Cup but did not feature against Uzbekistan as Luik briefly came off the bench during the first leg in Tashkent.

Second-gamer Kaitlyn Torpey scored a goal and set up two others in a superb performance in the 10-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan on Wednesday. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

San Diego Wave fullback Kaitlyn Torpey has also created a selection headache after starring in her second appearance as a right winger, with her versatility appealing in the restricted squad.

Kennedy said Torpey, who could also challenge for the spot of an attacking player like Amy Sayer or Cortnee Vine, had immediately shown she was equipped to handle international football.

“I think it’s great to add depth to the squad, and she’s done really well – I think she’s adapted to the level (well) from her first session,” Kennedy said.

“She’s got a mature head on her shoulders for her age … to be able to come into this environment and have that confidence and feel comfortable – that’s the environment we like to create and make players feel welcome and able to express themselves, but it’s another thing to be able to do it on the pitch as well, and she’s done a great job of that in the last two games.”

Gustavsson said the 23-year-old, who last month set a new record for the sale of an A-League Women player when she moved to the US from Melbourne City, reminded him of Hunt with her immediate adjustment to the Matildas’ system.

“The fact that she’s versatile and can be used in so many positions … (I’m) very impressed,” he said.