Steph Catley was in awe of Bankwest Stadium on her first trip to the venue where the Westfield Matildas will host Chile this Saturday afternoon.
The Westfield Matildas open the two-match series against the South Americans at the Western Sydney Wanderers' new home in Parramatta on Saturday, 9 November, before heading to Adelaide for game two at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday, 12 November.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Catley said as she gazed around Bankwest Stadium.
“I’ve [seen] it on TV a little bit with the A-League, it’s a stadium I’ve said from the start I’ve wanted to play at.
“It’s exciting and hopefully we get a really big crowd, they’re nice and loud and we can get over the line against Chile.”
After two entertaining friendlies against Chile last year, which each team won one apiece, Australia resumes their rivalry with the South American outfit with two games in the space of three days.
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The encounter at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday will be Catley’s first introduction to the newly-formed rivalry after missing last year’s fixtures through injury.
But she’s more than ready to throw herself into the thick of the action.
“Personally I wasn’t involved, I had my knee surgery when we played them last time,” Catley said.
“I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I watched the games and they look like a very skilful team, they’re strong and physical.
“It should be a really good game, it’s 1-1 [after the last year's matches] so whoever wins these games comes out on top.”
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Following the clash at Bankwest Stadium both sides travel to Adelaide where they will face off once more at Coopers Stadium on Tuesday night.
And with the Westfield W-League campaign kicking off just two days later, Catley sees the two friendlies as the perfect curtain-raiser for the domestic campaign which she heads into as Melbourne City captain.
“The W-League is my favourite time of the year,” Catley said.
“I get to be home playing at Melbourne City, it just feels like home.
“I’m really excited to get started with them.”
The Matildas host Chile at Bankwest Stadium this Saturday, with the match kicking off at 3:00pm (AEDT).
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