Brisbane Roar’s Laini Freier named in 23-woman Matildas squad for SheBelieves Cup

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has named his SheBelieves Cup squad – bringing a fresh face into the mix amid Cortnee Vine’s continued unexplained absence.

A year ago Laini Freier was playing in the NPL – now the 23-year-old goal scoring machine has been named in the Matildas squad for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.

Freier, the 23-year-old twin sister of Matildas winger Sharn, signed with A-League side Brisbane Roar this season. So far she has scored seven goals – tied equal with Matildas veteran Emily Gielnik and Roar teammate Tameka Yallop.

Freier has been called into the squad after sister Sharn was suffered a serious ankle injury two weeks ago and a subsequent surgery this week.

The Brisbane product is the only uncapped player in the 23-woman squad named by Sermanni on Tuesday morning.

“She’s showing qualities in the A-League’s Women that excited me,” Sermanni said.

Laini Freier has been on a rapid trajectory, and earned a spot in her first Matildas squad. Picture: Getty

“She’s scored goals, she’s got involved in games, she’s created chances and she’s showing the kind of form that makes you say she can probably step up to an international level.

“So although she hasn’t had a lot of experience at club level it’s a great chance to see if somebody can go from that level and step straight into international football.”

Several other big names are set to make a return to the national team including Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara.

McNamara, 22 was named in the Matildas team in the lead up to the Paris Olympic only to rupture her ACL, for the third time, days later.

Now more than a year one McNamara is back playing for City and is in lethal form.

“I want players in the local competition to make me stand up and select them,” Sermanni said.

“Holly’s just come straight back in and she’s already showing these kind of signs - she’s been dynamic, she’s been aggressive, she makes great forward runs, she’s a winner. I want to see more of that from the A-League Women’s players.”

Katrina Gorry is also back in the side after missing the last window with an ankle injury. Mary Fowler, Kaitlyn Torpey and Clare Wheeler have also been selected.

While Cortnee Vine remains as an unexplained absence. The winger has missed the last two windows – citing mental health issues.

Sermanni said he had been in contact with Vine.

“She’s just not at the stage yet where she feels comfortable coming back into international football,” Sermanni said.

“She’s back training with Carolina in the NWSL, so I think it is important for her to just get some club football under her belt and get back playing again and get back the love of the game. If she does that then she’ll be ready to come back into international football.”

Cortnee Vine remains an unexplained absence from the Matildas squads. Picture: Getty

Sermanni said the SheBelieves Cup was a crucial tournament in preparing for next year’s Asian Cup especially as one of the opponents is Japan. The other two are Colombia and top ranked USA.

“All three are very different teams and three different challenges,” Sermanni said.

“The Japanese are coming into this with a new coach, so it will be interesting to see if that changes any of the dynmaics around their team but we know what to expect from Japan.

“It will be a very different game to the US - which will be much more physical and faster.

“Then Colombia will be a mix of South American football along with some physical challenges.

“We’ve selected a squad with the clear objective of winning this tournament. While some challenges came with players returning from European winter breaks and the restart of the USA and Scandinavian leagues, these realities also created opportunities.

“It’s important to carry on exposing emerging players to high-level, tournament-style football early.

Katrina Gorry (L) is back in the Matildas fold after recovering from an ankle injury. Picture: Getty

Sermanni said the objective was always to win.

“We want to play the Australian way — aggressive, front-foot football, always looking for ways to win. This tournament is another opportunity to reinforce that style and build momentum.

“With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, internal competition within the squad is key.

“Every player knows they need to push for their place, and this tournament gives us another chance to see how they respond in a high-pressure environment. SheBelieves will provide valuable insights as we finetune our preparations moving forward.”

SCHEDULE:

Japan v CommBank Matildas

Date: Friday February 21 (AEDT)

Kick-off: 9.05am (AEDT)

Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston (TX)

United States v CommBank Matildas

Date: Monday February 24 (AEDT)

Kick-off: 9.05am (AEDT)

Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale (AZ)

CommBank Matildas v Colombia

Date: Thursday February 27 (AEDT)

Kick-off: 11.30am (AEDT)

Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (CA)

Originally published as Brisbane Roar’s Laini Freier named in 23-woman Matildas squad for SheBelieves Cup