Eight Matildas will etch themselves into Australian football history when they become the country’s first to play at three Olympic Games.
On Tuesday, the 18-strong Matildas team who will compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics was announced.
Steph Catley will captain the side, with Ellie Carpenter and Emily van Egmond will assist as vice-captains.
Catley steps in for the injured Sam Kerr, who will miss her third Olympics as she recovers from an ACL injury.
Catley, van Egmond, Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne and Tameka Yallop will all become three-time Olympians in Paris.
Meanwhile, Paris becomes Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman, Teagan Micah, and Hayley Raso’s second Olympics appearance.
Clare Hunt, Kaitlyn Torpey, Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler will make their Olympic debut.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said it had been an “incredible challenging squad to select”.
“It has been a methodical process over the past couple of years to reach to this point, and each of the players selected bring unique and beneficial qualities to our team that will be vital for our Paris 2024 campaign,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate all the players selected and the teammates, coaches, family and friends that have brought them to this moment.
“I know that this team will give everything for the coat of arms and will represent Australia to the best of their ability in the true Aussie way.”
Matildas Olympics Fixture
Germany vs Australia: 26 July, 3am (AEST)
Australia vs Zambia: 29 July, 3am (AEST)
Australia vs USA: August 1, 3am (AEST)