Pathway to the Matildas begins for Geelong players

TEN Geelong talents have been tapped on the shoulder as the future of elite Australian soccer.

The players will compete in the 2026 CommBank Emerging Matildas Championships against top players from across the country.

Geelong Galaxy players Hannah Walsh, Katarina Arbanas, Rosie Maule, Isabelle Petsas, Ayla Nikolovski and Mathilde Randles Pedersen have been named in the Football Victoria squads alongside North Geelong Warriors’ Evie Stosic.

Geelong locals Mikaela Witt, Violet Smith and Gemma Barrand will also pull on a Victorian uninform.

The championships are an important step for young players as it forms part of Football Australia’s talent identification scheme.

Torquay’s own Matilda, Kyra Cooney-Cross, took her first steps towards national selection by playing this championship as a junior.

The competition allows players to show their skills in front of national team selection staff.

Geelong Galaxy president Aaron Pettman said the club was thrilled to see its players earn selection.

“We’re incredibly proud of the girls and what they’ve achieved,”Pettman said.

“Their selection is a reward for the dedication they show week in, week out, and it’s a credit to the supportive environment created by their coaches and teammates.

“The entire Galaxy community will be behind them as they compete against the best players in the country.”

North Geelong Warriors women’s and girl’s football director, Stipe Kump, said Stosic’s rise had been “incredible to watch” and a testament to her dedication to the sport.

Football Geelong chair Mike McKinstry said the selections were a strong reflection of the region’s growing depth in girl’s football.

“It’s fantastic to see seven players from our region recognised at this level,” McKinstry said.

“These selections highlight the hard work being done by the players, their families, coaches and clubs.

“It’s a proud moment for the Geelong football community and we wish them all the best as they represent Football Victoria on the national stage.”

The under-15 and under-16s championships will be played at The Home of the Matildas in Bundoora from 9-15 April.