Hawkesby: Playing for the CommBank Matildas is something I've wanted my whole life

The Commbank Matildas squad for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Portugal is full of young and exciting talent, and Mackenzie Hawkesby is no exception.

The midfielder exploded into the national football consciousness last season off the back of a Sydney FC A-League Women’s campaign that included five goals and eight assists. She was an integral cog in their premiership-winning team.

Despite her fantastic season, the call-up from the CommBank Matildas' coaching staff came as a surprise.

“I was actually quite shocked,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. It’s the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me.”

After taking some time to process the news, Hawkesby reflected on the enormity of her achievement.

“It means everything,” she explained. “As a footballer, you work so hard every day. I’m so humbled by the call-up and I’m so thankful. It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do my whole life.”

For some CommBank Matildas fans, it may feel like Hawkesby has emerged from nowhere in the past 12 months, but it has been a lifetime of hard work for the 22-year-old from Wollongong.

The former Young Matilda is excited to finally get the opportunity to learn and grow in the senior national team environment.

Having the opportunity to learn and grow from senior international players is something Hawkesby said is incredibly important to her.

“I think just being involved in the training. It’s fantastic to be around such amazing players and people in such a professional environment

“Hopefully it can elevate my game and challenge me to be a better player," she said.

Like many observers of women’s football, she has had a keen eye on the progress of Spain over the past few years. The opportunity to test herself against both Spain and Portugal excites the midfielder.

“Spain is a top nation and they’re getting better every window. Portugal as well," she said. "I want to come up against the best. It’s so exciting to challenge against top nations.”

UPCOMING COMMBANK MATILDAS FIXTURES:  

Spain v Australia  
Date: Saturday, 25 June (local) / Sunday, 26 June (AUS)  
Time: 9.30pm (local) / 5.30am (AEST)  
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Colombino, Huelva  
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+  
  
Portugal v Australia  
Date: Tuesday, 28 June (local) / Wednesday, 29 June (AUS)  
Time: 9.00pm (local) / 6.00am (AEST)  
Venue: Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril  
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+