Having surged to five in the world rankings, Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has set a target of winning gold at the Games in August. And he'll look to his defence to lay the platform for any such success.
While Stajcic undoubtedly faces some difficult selection decisions with a glut of exciting attacking talent, the defensive third is arguably where the squad largely picks itself.
And as he knows, any major success is built from the back.
Keeper Lydia Williams is one of the world’s shot-stoppers and will be on the plane, while the ultra-consistent centre-back pairing of Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy are the first-choice stoppers.
Steph Catley (left-back) and Clare Polkinghorne (right-back) provide much stability and experience to the squad and will be heading to Rio.
While Williams and the back-four are assured of a spot in Brazil, the race for the remaining spots remains an intriguing one.
Used as a right wing-back at the 2015 World Cup, the in-form Caitlin Foord has been pushed further forward leaving a spot in defensive cover up for grabs.
Wanderers central defender Caitlin Cooper is a good chance to make the final squad with the 28-year-old putting in a solid shift in Australia’s 2-0 friendly win over New Zealand in Ballarat earlier this month.
But the most exciting name in the frame could well be 16-year-old fullback Ellie Carpenter. The Wanderers youngster made her debut for the national team at just 15 earlier this year and is growing into international football.
Her energy, enthusiasm and work-rate make her a real option for Stajcic as defensive cover, though she has time on her side.
Teigen Allen is another player very much in the frame for a maiden Olympic campaign. The 22-year-old is vastly experienced for the Matildas with 39 appearances since making her debut in 2010.
Newcastle Jets’ Georgia Yeoman-Dale is another option for Stajcic with the 22-year-old coming off an impressive season in the Westfield W-League.
She has four caps to her name for the Matildas but was not part of the recent squad for the matches against the Kiwis.
The Matildas are in camp at the AIS over the next fortnight as preparation for Rio continues, with the 18-player squad for the tournament set to be named on July 4.
