Analysis: key Westfield Matildas to watch in China PR series
The Westfield Matildas are set to sign off from a spectacular 2017 in their two-match series against China PR starting Wednesday.
With the AFC Women's Asian Cup just around the corner, we've taken a look at a few players national team boss Alen Stajcic will be watching closely.
SIMON, HEYMAN & CRUMMER
Australia's exceptional depth in attack has been illustrated by the return of three big-name forwards.
Kyah Simon, Michelle Heyman and Larissa Crummer are all back in the squad after missing chunks of the year through injury.
Simon and Heyman are both established goalscorers at international level and provide ready-made competition for Sam Kerr, while Crummer won the Westfield W-League's Golden Boot in 2015-16 and adds another dimension to the team's elite firepower.
ELLIE CARPENTER
Right-back is arguably the position that remains most up for grabs in the starting XI.
Carpenter, at 17, is best placed to make it her own over the next several years with her tenacity in defence and athleticism going forward.
Every slice of international exposure the teenager receives will be put to good use in Jordan next year, not to mention France 2019.
CAITLIN FOORD
A world-class talent, Foord can just about play in every position on the pitch.
The 23-year-old made her international debut way back in 2011 and is currently plying her trade with Japanese club Vegalta Sendai.
Having proved how dangerous she can be in the front third, it will be fascinating to see where Stajcic employs his skilful Swiss army knife this time around.
