New CommBank Matildas forward Grace Kuilamu said that her debut for the senior national team was an “honour and a privilege.”
She became cap #241 when she was substituted on in the second half of the team’s 1-0 defeat to Panama on Saturday afternoon.
“I've been dreaming of this moment since I first started, and to be playing alongside some of the girls that I was watching when I was younger is pretty crazy,” the 18-year-old said.
“It’s an honour and a privilege.”
She recounted the moment in which she was called on to enter the field of play for the first time.
“I was warming up for most of the second half,” she said.
“All of a sudden, I'm called over, and I have 30 seconds to get ready. It was a shock, but it was great.
“[Joe Montemurro] said, play your game. Get into the game. Go strong for the last 10 minutes.”
The teenager said that her camp experience was nothing like she expected – in the best way possible.
“I was a bit nervous coming into camp, but the girls made it such an easy transition, and they really welcomed all of the new players.
“It’s been great with the girls.”
Her mother and her grandmother made the trip west from Brisbane to witness her debut in person.
“It’s so exciting having your family, who were there from day one - there when you make your dreams come true,” she said.
“It's a really exciting experience to share with them.”
Kuilamu said that she took plenty away from the experience on Saturday afternoon and was looking forward to the second game of the series on Tuesday.
“I’m going to try and get more touches on the ball, if I'm allowed the chance, and just go into the game strong,” she said.
“Obviously, we were unfortunate with the loss here, but the girls are going to come together before the next game, and bring it through.”
Next Game
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
