Westfield Matildas' AFC Asian Cup history

Jordan 2018 is set to mark Australia's sixth involvement at the AFC Women's Asian Cup and the Westfield Matildas will be vying to be crowned champions for a second time.

Here, we look back on the national team's history at Asia's biggest continental competition.

Hong Kong 1975

Then known as the AFC Women's Championship, Australia was one of six teams involved in the inaugural edition in 1975.

The Aussies - featuring Julie Dolan, for whom the Westfield W-League's MVP is named - beat Singapore 3-0 but finished second in Group A behind Thailand.

A semi-final date with New Zealand followed and the Football Ferns narrowly prevailed 3-2, going on to beat Thailand in the final.

However, a 5-0 win over Malaysia in the third-place playoff did secure a podium finish.

Australia 2006

Australia's return to the AFC created the opportunity to host the tournament in 2006.

The Westfield Matildas enjoyed a dream run to the final on home turf, but fell at the final hurdle in a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to China PR.

Caitlin Munoz and Joanne Peters - who both scored in a 2-0 semi-final defeat of Japan - had given the hosts a two-goal advantage in Adelaide, but China rallied late and eventually held their nerve for their eighth and most recent success.

Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh was one of the stars of 2006.

Vietnam 2008

After again finishing second in their group, Tom Sermanni's side were bundled out in the final four by DPR Korea, before losing to Japan in the third-place playoff.

Heather Garriock and Lisa De Vanna top scored with two apiece.

China 2010

The Westfield Matildas more than made up for their Vietnam disappointment by breakthrough for a maiden triumph in China, Kyah Simon hitting the winning penalty in a shootout victory over DPR Korea.

Sam Kerr, still only 16, had scored the opener on 19 minutes, before the lead was cancelled out by Jo Yun-mi in the 73rd minute.

But Australia regained their composure amid pouring rain to clinically convert all five penalties.

It's the standard they'll expect to meet next year.

Vietnam 2014

With Alen Stajcic in charge on an interim basis, the national team went within 90 minutes of retaining their crown.

Katrina Gorry led the charge to a third final in four attempts with three goals - including the first in a semi-final victory over Korea Republic - only for Japan to edge the decider 1-0.

It was an admirable effort on the back of a challenging preparation, and will no doubt provide the incentive to go one better in 2018.

Sam Kerr Asian Cup
Australia will hope to use their 2014 defeat as inspiration.