CommBank Matildas defender Tash Prior said while the team was frustrated with the loss to Panama on Saturday, the game was another building block in the process of building towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
Prior was speaking to media in Bunbury after the 1-0 defeat.
“Obviously we would have liked to come away with the win leading into the next match, but I think, as a squad, we can be pretty proud of how we played,” she said.
“It was a pretty frustrating game, but it's building blocks for the next game, and then obviously looking forward to the Asian Cup as well.”
The centre-back agreed that it was a physical game, but said that it was to be expected and was something to work on countering on Tuesday evening.
“With these kinds of teams, it's always going to be more physical than not,” she said.
“Hopefully we can give it back to them next game!”
It was Prior’s first experience in Bunbury. She expressed that she enjoyed the occasion in the West Australian coastal town.
“I'm from Sydney, so I'd never heard of Bunbury,” she admitted.
“But we went to a hotel for lunch today, near the water, and it was beautiful. It’s a lovely town. It's so nice to see how many people came out to watch us.
“It’s the first game that the Matildas have played here. I’m happy to be a part of it.
“[The fans] give so much to us as a team, so it's only fair that we give back to them when we can.”
While the performance and result wasn’t what she hoped for, Prior reiterated that it was all part of ironing out a new style of play.
“We're trying to be a possession-based team,” she said.
“This is the third game that we've had Pep [Joe Montemurro]. It’s just a matter of ironing out the creases, and hopefully, we build on each game.”
There were four debutants on Saturday - including two teenagers – to grow the CommBank Matildas family to #242.
Prior said that it was a special moment to welcome new players to the fold.
“After the game, it's so special,” she said.
“It's such a big moment for them, and for us, to have new members to the family as well.”
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
