The search for Australia’s football identity

WATCHING the Matildas fall agonisingly short in the final of the Asian Cup was a proud moment, but one filled equally with admiration and a sense of “what if?” against a technically outstanding Japanese side.

What struck me most in the aftermath wasn’t just the result, but the reflections of Australia’s head coach, Joe Montemurro, and his candid assessment of the difference between the two nations.

Montemurro spoke of identity, something Japan has clearly defined, and Australia is searching for.

“We’ve got to decide who we are, what we want to be, and where we want to be in 10, 15 years time, and stick to it. We’ve got to believe in an identity of who we want to be and where we want to go, and it has to start at youth levels,” Montemurro said.

Montemurro highlighted the Japanese system yielded results through consistency.

“They make tough decisions at young ages, and they stick to the program. They stick to their development processes,” he said.

“There’s a way of going about it. We, unfortunately, are different in the way we go about things. For me, it’s consistency in programs.”

During my time at Melbourne Victory FC, I was fortunate to complete my AFC coaching badges under Montemurro. Even then, it was clear he possessed not only an outstanding football brain, but a genuine passion for youth development.

Since I established the Coerver Coaching Geelong programs locally, that same passion has only grown. Hearing someone of Montemurro’s calibre emphasise the importance of identity and youth development only reinforces my beliefs and the need to continue pushing for better outcomes for young players.

 

Japan offers a clear blueprint. With more than 150 Coerver Coaching schools nationwide, the program has become deeply embedded within the country’s grassroots football landscape. Technical development isn’t an add-on; it’s embedded within the football culture.

Japanese players are comfortable in tight spaces, composed under pressure, and confident in possession. These are not traits developed overnight, they are built through years of structured, deliberate practice namely through the globally recognised Coerver Coaching curriculum.

For Australia, the Matildas’ strong showing at the Asian Cup signals continued progress, but also provides a moment of reflection. There is growing recognition that technical development must become a greater priority. It’s where my passion now lies and something I wish I had more access to as a young player.

Both nations possess increasing participation numbers, particularly in the women’s game. However, Japan’s edge has come from its unwavering commitment to a clear development identity, one that values skill, creativity, and confidence on the ball above all else.

As the Matildas continue their upward trajectory, the opportunity lies in blending Australia’s physicality and competitive mindset with a deeper technical foundation. The success of Japan, shaped in part by the influence of Coerver Coaching, provides a proven model.

See you on the pitch,

Coach Ado

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