Tameka Yallop: "Good vibes" in camp
Midfielder Tameka Yallop reflected on the “good vibes” in camp as the CommBank Matildas prepare to take on Mexico in this international window.
She said that the focus was on using the increased training time to good effect, with only one match to play in the window.
“There’s a big focus on working on us and the intensity of training,” she began.
“It’s about learning and understanding the style that we want to be playing, the different manipulations within that as well, and different structures we can move between and flow between.
“It is really a whole team inclusiveness and gelling, and figuring out the new style together as a unit. Focusing on our individual roles but also how you interact with everyone else.”
Preparing for the Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 was at the forefront of the 32-year-old’s mind.
“The Olympics… it’s four years. So you are working and it seems so far away at the start of that journey,” she explained.
“Once you do hit [an] Olympic year, it really narrows your focus in and becomes more real knowing the opponents as well. It makes it more relevant, what you’re doing, because it’s all towards that goal of taking on and challenging yourself against the world’s best.”
Yallop has taken on a more attacking role this year in the A-League Women for her hometown club, the Brisbane Roar. While she has been used in a variety of roles for the CommBank Matildas in recent times she says that her deployment as an attacking midfielder domestically has been exciting.
“That’s where I definitely feel my best and feel like I’m my most creative, which is what I definitely enjoy about football,” she expanded. “[I’ve] absolutely enjoyed the season.”
One of her teammates at the Roar is 22-year-old Sharn Freier, who has been called into a CommBank Matildas squad for the first time in this window.
“I don’t think I’ve seen her smile so much in her whole life,” Yallop said, with a big smile of her own.
“It’s really exciting to have her here… She has been in the A-League and performed in the A-League for a while, so she does know some of the girls, and I think she’s fitting in quite nicely.”
“She’s an exciting player – one on one, [she’s] excellent. Australia will be pretty excited to see it.”
Looking ahead to the match against Mexico, Yallop said that the game would be an “excellent test.”
“Mexico is an excellent opportunity to see how we go with the style of play we’re looking to implement,” she said.
“They’re going to be competitive, they’re a footballing country. They’re very passionate about their football too. So it’s going to be an exciting and competitive match.”
MATCH DETAILS | APRIL 2024 FIFA WINDOW
Mexico v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2024 (local) / Wed, 10 April 2024 (AUS)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 10.00am (AEST)
Venue: Toyota Field, San Antonio, TX
Broadcast: Paramount ANZ
Tickets: ticketmaster.com