Meet the new faces in camp

The October international window sees the CommBank Matildas return home for the first time in 18 months to take on Brazil in a two-match series. 

Head coach Tony Gustavsson has selected a 23-player squad with the return of some familiar faces as well as some new faces in camp. 

The 23-player squad includes three uncapped players, with forward Bryleeh Henry receiving her first call up to the senior team. 

Our international friendlies over 2021 have seen 10 debutants appear for the CommBank Matildas, the last time there were more than 10 debutants in a year was in 2012 with 11 players, including Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Emma Checker and Mackenzie Arnold, making their international appearances. 

After welcoming caps 213, 214 and 216 in our friendly against the Republic of Ireland, there are three players in the squad in line to make their CommBank Matildas debut on home soil.

Our uncapped players

Bryleeh Henry makes her first appearance in a senior national team camp, after representing Australia with the Young Matildas, this call up will give Henry a chance to immerse herself in a senior training camp. 

The Penrith local signed her first professional contract for Western Sydney Wanderers last season and has resigned for the upcoming A-League Women season. 

Her inaugural season for Wanderers saw Henry score two goals, both against Melbourne City, and became a dangerous threat upfront for Western Sydney. 

Henry impressed the Wanderers' coaching staff after making waves for Football NSW Institute in the NPLW, scoring seven goals for Insitute in the 2020 season, including a hattrick against Macarthur Rams. 

The Western Sydney natives footballing journey began at Penrith FC, Bryleeh found a passion for futsal and started to succeed quickly. She was selected for the NSW FFA futsal side, scoring 11 goals over the 4 days of competition. 

Henry made the move to NPLW side Blacktown Spartans and co-captained the U15 side, netting 24 goals and scoring the winner in the grand final against Football NSW Insitute. 

Spartans awarded Henry the Player’s Player, MVP - Rising Star, and the overall Golden Boot for the 2018 season. 

Jamilla Rankin, like Henry, has represented her country at a junior level for the Young Matildas but is yet to make her debut for the senior team. Rankin was part of the CommBank Matildas' September training camp in Ireland and travels back home in hopes of her debut on home soil.

Rankin's remarkable breakout campaign for Brisbane Roar saw her play every game in the run to the Finals Series,  earning a nominee for Young Footballer of the Year in February.

The young defender, who hails from Lismore in NSW, is a former QAS Player of the Year. She signed for Brisbane Roar ahead of their 2019/20 season, her inaugural season only saw her play one match.

She resigned with Roar for the 2020/21 season, appearing in all 12 of Roar's games in the run to a semi-final spot. Rankin scored her first professional goal against Sydney FC and backed it up by scoring later in the game to net her second and secure the win. 

Head coach of Roar's A-League Women's side Garrath McPherson attributed Rankin's unrelenting focus on self-improvement as a key factor in her call-up, stating this experience in the senior national team side will help Rankin develop for the future. 

Our last uncapped player in the 23-player squad is Remy Siemsen, Siemsen, similarly to Henry and Rankin, has represented Australia at the junior level. 

Siemsen scored a goal against Vietnam, Japan and South Korea in consecutive games at the 2017 AFC U-19 Women's Championship, to advance Australia to the semi-finals for the first time in over 11 years.

Closer to home Remy has been a regular fixture in the A-League Women, making her debut for Sydney FC at 16. Siemsen scored six goals in her debut season and was the top scorer for Sydney FC. Her first season say her awarded Young Footballer of the Year in 2016.

Siemsen has gone on to impress domestically, with NPLW side Manly United the striker has netted 42 goals in 50 appearances and has a knack for scoring some wonderful goals. 

Remy has represented both sides of Sydney, having a one season stint for Western Sydney Wanderers, before returning back to Sydney FC. 

A brief stint in the United States saw Siemsen join Women's Premier Soccer League side California Storm on a short-term contract. Siemsen made 8 appearances for Storm, and managed to score 9 goals and pick up 5 assists. 

Siemsen's ability to find the back of the net from distance and in the box will make her a vital player for the future, with the CommBank Matildas looking to the future of the 2022 Asian Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™️ on home soil.

“We are going to keep looking for new players, and either invite them to the training environment to see them there, or for some players that make a good impression in the training environment, also make sure that they get some game time.” Head coach Tony Gustavsson explains.

Match Details
Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Brazil
Saturday, 23 October 2021
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off: 7.50pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Tickets available at Ticketek

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Brazil
Tuesday, 26 October 2021
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off: 8.05pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 Bold and simulcast on 10 Play
Tickets available at Ticketek