Player exodus: Why Matildas matches could up-end A-League Women season

The Matildas’ upcoming clashes with Brazil and Chinese Taipei could have a major impact on the A-League Women season with clubs braced to be missing their stars.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 10: Michelle Heyman of Canberra celebrates after scoring a goal during the round two A-League Women's match between Wellington Phoenix and Canberra United at Porirua Park on November 10, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Masanori Udagawa/Getty Images)

A-League Women clubs are bracing for an exodus of players for potentially two rounds with teams warned the Matildas roster for their upcoming international window will involve a number of Australian-based athletes.

Unlike the A-League Men competition which has hit the pause button as the Socceroos take on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in their World Cup qualifiers, the ALW will play through the FIFA window.

The decision allowed the league to start later than the men’s competition and ensured players involved in the Olympics and under-20s World Cup had a decent post-tournament break.

The Matildas team, for their matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, is due to be announced in Melbourne on Friday.

It will likely include Brisbane Roar’ stars Tameka Yallop and Sharn Freier while Canberra United face the prospect of tackling two important games without key striker Michelle Heyman.

Brisbane Roar will likely be missing Matildas mainstay Tameka Yallop. Picture: Getty Images

Michelle Heyman will also be unavailable for Canberra United. Picture: Getty Images

It is understood a number of players on the cusp of Matildas selection will be called into the camp as part of an extended squad and potentially used for the games against Chinese Taipei.

This could include Chloe Logarzo, Emily Gielnik, Sophie Harding, Alicia Woods, Hana Lowry and Alex Chidiac.

Previous Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson wasn’t opposed to calling on ALW players — Jada Whyman, Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Harding, Daniela Galic and Holly McNamara were all given a shot during his tenure.

But with the Matildas under the watchful eye of interim coach Tom Sermanni it seems more likely the decision is based on managing workloads than unearthing a future star.

The Matildas will play four games in 10 days — a schedule busier than most major tournaments. This will also include travel from Brisbane to the Gold Coast then Melbourne before finishing in Geelong.

All the Matildas regulars, especially those based in Europe, are in the middle of their seasons. Some are playing two to three matches in a week.

Expecting them to perform for four games in such a short time frame, on the back of international travel, is a big ask.

Calling in domestic based players is a smart move.

It might leave fans disappointed if their favourite player is relegated to the bench for most of a match.

Chloe Logarzo could win a Matildas recall. Picture: Getty Images

And it will most certainly leave a number of ALW coaches short on players.

On top of the Matildas players clubs will also be missing many of their international signings for at least a week. Melbourne City confirmed that Tyla-Jay Vlajnic had been called into the Serbian squad for their European Championship qualifiers.

Wellington Phoenix should remain mostly intact with the Football Ferns not playing in this window - it could be their chance to get some wins on the board.

Normally having players called into the national camp is considered a win by clubs - it means they are developing future stars.

But these stars don’t normally have to miss big games as the league, like others all around the world, usually takes a break for international fixtures.

With the league continuing, clubs will have to rely on younger or less experienced players to fill the holes.

Sophie Harding is in the frame for Matildas selection. Picture: Getty Images

It might not sound like a big impact given it is only early days, but we saw last season how close the finals race was — goal difference was all that separated Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Going two games without your captain, key striker or experienced midfielder or forcing other players to play more minutes than they are used to in order to plug the holes could prove costly.

On the flip side the players given a chance to shine in the ALW over the next two rounds could rise to the challenge and stake their claim as future Matildas.

Originally published as Player exodus: Why Matildas matches could up-end A-League Women season