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Hunt named in CommBank Matildas 25-player squad called up for 2023 Cup of Nations

Wanderers captain Clare Hunt has been named in the 25-player CommBank Matildas squad set to contest the 2023 Cup of Nations to be hosted across New South Wales this month.

The six-match tournament will kick-off at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on Thursday, 16 February with Match Day 2 in Sydney on Sunday, 19 February before the Cup of Nations concludes on Wednesday, 22 February in Newcastle.

“The first camp of the year is always an exciting prospect following a lengthy break from the team environment, and in a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ year, it adds a little more anticipation,” CommBank Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson said.

“Our Cup of Nations squad has been selected in line with our principles built in the back half of 2022 as we continue to create consistency and chemistry among the playing group. This is particularly important in a tournament that mirrors the group stage play and presents an opportunity to maximise our time together with less than 200 days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ kicks off.”

Keeping to the principle, 21 players from the November 2022 FIFA Women’s International window feature in the squad. Meanwhile experienced trio Emily Gielnik (forward), Tameka Yallop (midfielder) and Mackenzie Arnold (goalkeeper) return to the squad after completing their time on the sidelines due to injury.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ defender Clare Hunt earns her first call-up for the senior national team following strong performances in the Liberty A-League Women’s competition.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 18: Clare Hunt of the Wanderers controls the ball during the round 11 A-League Women’s match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory at Wanderers Football Park, on January 18, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

“We were pleased with the way the team progressed towards the end of 2022 and the matches provided many learnings for us to build on during these games later this month,” Gustavsson explained.

“We know there are some areas we need to continue evolving in and that will be the focus of our matches against three opponents that provide real variety of approach,” Gustavsson concluded.

The CommBank Matildas three Cup of Nations matches will be broadcast live across 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+, with other matches live and exclusive to Paramount+.

COMMBANK MATILDAS SQUAD | 2023 CUP OF NATIONS

NAME POSITION CLUB CAPS (GOALS) JUNIOR CLUB / 
MEMBER FEDERATION
Mackenzie ARNOLDGoalkeeperWest Ham United29 (0)Burleigh / Football QLD 
Steph CATLEYBackArsenal WFC106 (3)East Bentleigh, SE Cougars / Football Victoria 
Alex CHIDIACMidfielderMelbourne Victory on loan from Racing Louisville FC22 (1)Croydon Kings/ Football South Australia  
Kyra COONEY-CROSSMidfielderHammarby IF22 (0)Ballarat City / Football Victoria 
Larissa CRUMMERForwardBrisbane Roar30 (4)Peninsula Power / Football QLD  
Caitlin FOORDForwardArsenal WFC106 (27)Warilla Wanderers / Football NSW 
Mary FOWLERForwardManchester City32 (8) Leichhardt / Football QLD 
Emily GIELNIKForwardAston Villa57 (11)Redlands United / Football QLD
Katrina GORRYMidfielderVittsjö GIK88 (16) Mt Gravatt Hawks / Football QLD 
Charlotte GRANTBackVittsjö GIK13 (0) Cumberland United Women’s FC / Football South Australia 
Clare HUNTBackWestern Sydney Wanderers0 (0) 
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHTMidfielderMelbourne Victory114 (2)Runaway Bay / Football QLD
Alanna KENNEDYBackManchester City108 (8)Campbelltown Cobras / Football NSW
Sam KERRForwardChelsea WFC116 (61) Western Knights / Football West 
Aivi LUIKBackBK Hacken41 (1)Palm Beach SC / Football QLD 
Teagan MICAHGoalkeeperFC Rosengård14 (0)Brisbane Blue, Brisbane Central / Football QLD 
Courtney NEVINBackLeicester City on loan from Hammarby IF18 (0)Oakville Ravens / Football NSW 
Clare POLKINGHORNEBackVittsjö GIK151 (14)Wynnum Wolves, Capalaba / Football QLD 
Hayley RASOForwardManchester City66 (9)Banora Point / Football QLD
Amy SAYERMidfielderStanford University6 (0)Northbridge FC / Football NSW
Emily VAN EGMONDMidfielderSan Diego Wave FC124 (30)Dudley-Redhead / Northern NSW Football
Cortnee VINEForwardSydney FC11 (2)Peninsula Power FC / Football QLD 
Clare WHEELERMidfielderEverton WFC11 (0)Adamstown Rosebud / Northern NSW Football
Tameka YALLOPMidfielderSK Brann109 (12)Mudgeeraba / Football QLD
Lydia WILLIAMSGoalkeeperBrighton Hove & Albion102 (0)Tuggeranong, Woden Valley / Capital Football