Matildas magic is back in the air once again, with the announcement of a new coach earlier this week.
With another home-hosted cup around the corner. women’s football specialist Joe Montemurro has stepped in to bring a sparkling sense of hope to not only Australia’s favourite golden girls, but to the future of women’s football in Australia, even at a grassroots level.
Two years ago, Australia and New Zealand hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, an event which re-framed Australian women’s football forever.
A whirlwind of green and gold, the ‘Tillies’ World Cup campaign was nothing short of life-changing for so many women, whose dreams suddenly glowed in front of them, in the shape of Cortnee Vine’s spot kick against France, or Sam Kerr’s England equaliser.
Swedish coach Tony Gustavasson stepped down from the position following a particularly rough Olympic journey with his golden squad.
With an interim coach and a whole country hanging onto hope, it’s safe to say the Matildas were due for a bit of a boost, and a home-grown hero might just do the trick.
The new head coach, Melbourne- born Joe Montemurro comes with his own string of successes overseas, picking up silverware with Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon.
University of Wollongong Women’s Football Coach Steve Dodd said the name immediately pricked his ear.
“Joe’s appointment is huge, for the entire football community,” he said.
“For young players here in the Illawarra, it’s inspiring to see someone from Australia at the helm who’s been successful at the top level overseas.
“He’s proof Australians can go out and make a mark on the world stage, and now he’s bringing all that experience back to help us.”
For UOW midfielder Edie Harris, a fresh start for the Matildas is also a fresh start for her own football journey.
“After the World Cup, everything felt like it slowed down a bit. But now it feels like there’s new energy, like we’ve got direction again, it gives young girls something tangible to aim for,” she said.
It’s clear the Matildas effect is already back in full swing, with the National Portrait Gallery commissioning the Tillies’ shootout glory as their first artwork of a sports team.
The Matildas next play at the end of the month against Slovenia in a friendly.
