Defender Alanna Kennedy spoke to the media on Monday after the squad touched down in Adelaide to commence preparation for the ‘Til It’s Done Farewell Series against China.
Kennedy expressed her excitement for the sell-out crowds expected in both Adelaide and Sydney this week.
“It’s really exciting for us to be able to play at home in Australia, but then obviously to see the difference between the last time we were here in Adelaide, it’s really cool just to see how far the game has come,” the 29-year-old said.
“Football over in England [where Kennedy plays for Manchester City] is huge as well but for us, for the Matildas, we’re not as recognisable over there. But when you come back here and you see we’re getting stopped for photos or the number of people coming to games, it’s crazy to get that reality check each time we come back home.”
“It’s a nice feeling to know that so many recognise the team and what we’ve done for football in Australia. It shows in the numbers at the games as well.”
The series is part of the team’s preparations for Paris 2024™. After finishing fourth at Tokyo 2020™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Kennedy emphasised that the team is aiming for a medal this time around.
“We really, really want to finish on the podium,” Kennedy outlined. “Obviously gold is the goal, but I think we’re a team that could finish on the podium. We definitely are motivated more now than ever, and it’s a pretty strong continuation of the same players and team, so we’ve all got that same mindset.”
With the announcement of the squad for this series also came confirmation that CommBank Matildas striker Sam Kerr would be unavailable for the Olympics. Kennedy was confident that the team could perform without her after the experience at last year’s World Cup.
“We never doubt the players that are stepping in her place, but of course, when you have Sam up top, it’s very reassuring,” she explained. “But having that experience at the World Cup - we still played well and had some successful games without her - is reassuring going into such a major tournament.”
“But of course, if I could, I’d have Sammy there!”
She finished by articulating the emotions around Australia being awarded the hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ in the wake of such a successful World Cup in 2023, and what it means to play in front of home fans.
“After the World Cup, I’m so excited for another opportunity to play in a tournament in Australia, and be able to enjoy those moments,” she said.
“We’re not footballers forever, so that’s something that I really want to enjoy for the rest of my career, are those moments.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | MATCH SCHEDULE
Match One
CommBank Matildas v China PR
Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Kick-off: 7.40pm ACST / 8.10pm AEST
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold (PER), 10 Play and Paramount+
Match Two
CommBank Matildas v China PR
Date: Monday, 3 June 2024
Kick-off: 7:40pm AEST
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold (PER), 10 Play and Paramount+
