Football Australia is pleased to confirm a series of new appointments to the CommBank Matildas’ technical and support staff, as the team continues to build strong foundations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ campaign and beyond.
Set to commence ahead of the upcoming June/July FIFA Women’s International Window in Western Australia, these appointments follow the recent addition of Emily Husband as Assistant Coach and reflect Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to bolstering the team’s high-performance environment.
The following individuals will join the CommBank Matildas’ technical and support staff:
Assistant Coaches
Joe Palatsides – Assistant Coach
Leanne Hall – Set Piece Coach
Specialist Roles
Emanuele Chiappero – Physical Performance Coach
James Slaveski – Video Analyst
In welcoming the additions to the staff, CommBank Matildas’ Head Coach Joe Montemurro said: “Each of our new staff members bring specific expertise that will complement our current group and elevate the holistic preparation of our players.”
“The international game continues to evolve rapidly, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of coaching, analysis, and performance. I look forward to working closely with Emily, Joe, Leanne, Emanuele and James as we continue to build for an exciting cycle of tournaments.”
As part of these structural changes, several long-serving staff members have departed the CommBank Matildas’ program including Analyst Marty Judge and Sports Scientist, Tim Knight. Football Australia acknowledges their dedication and thanks them for their contribution to women’s national teams’ programs.
“Change is a natural part of high-performance environments, and while we’re excited to welcome new talent into the program, we also want to acknowledge and thank those departing for their significant contributions,” said Gary Moretti, Head of National Teams.
“They have played an integral role in the progression of the CommBank Matildas over recent years, and they leave with the respect and appreciation of everyone across Football Australia. We wish them every success in their next chapter.”
APPOINTMENTS IN DETAIL
Joe Palatsides – Assistant Coach
Joe Palatsides joins the CommBank Matildas with extensive experience in player development and elite coaching across Australia and Asia. Formerly the Technical Director at Football Victoria and Assistant Coach at Melbourne City FC, Palatsides brings deep tactical insight and a proven track record in cultivating talent. His appointment strengthens the team’s strategic depth ahead of a new international cycle.
Leanne Hall – Set Piece Coach
Leanne Hall brings over two decades of elite experience as both a player and coach. A former England international goalkeeper with 13 senior caps, she has held coaching roles at Arsenal WFC and Aston Villa WFC, where she served as Assistant Manager. Hall holds UEFA A Licences in both outfield and goalkeeping coaching and has worked with top-tier talent across domestic and international football. Her expertise in set-piece strategy and individual player development will be influential in enhancing the CommBank Matildas' tactical versatility.
Emanuele Chiappero – Physical Performance Coach
Emanuele Chiappero arrives with high-performance credentials developed across Italy and France in elite women’s football working alongside Montemurro. Chiappero specialises in athlete conditioning, injury prevention, and performance optimisation. His evidence-based approach will inform the team’s physical preparation for upcoming major tournaments.
James Slaveski – Video Analyst
James Slaveski brings over a decade of experience in football analysis and coaching to the CommBank Matildas' technical team. Currently appointed as the Assistant Coach of Sydney FC's National Premier Leagues side, Slaveski has previously served as an analyst with the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Melbourne City FC, and Melbourne Victory FC. He has also worked with Football Australia, supporting national teams across multiple age groups and international tournaments. His expertise encompasses performance analysis, opposition scouting, and the integration of data-driven insights to enhance team strategies and player development.