CommBank Matilda Amy Sayer explained that there was nothing too dramatic about the team’s new playing style under Head Coach Joe Montemurro – it was simply about doing the small things right.
She was speaking to the media on Friday after the team’s 3-0 victory against Slovenia in the first of two games against the European nation.
“It's not a difficult playing style,” she said.
“Joe's emphasised that it's simple. It's nothing life-changing, but it's about doing the small things right and doing it together. It’d be quite easy to tidy up the gaps, and it's just about getting used to his coaching style and playing together.”
While the win looked good on the scoresheet, there were real moments of concern for Australia, which was largely a result of turnovers.
“We had some really good moments, but we can always have more possession,” she assessed.
“We gave away a few too many opportunities for Slovenia to have chances on goal, and luckily we had Teagan [Micah] between the sticks - no wonder she was player of the match, because she really saved us!"
“But looking at the game and talking to the girls, and talking to Joe right after the game, everything started to look good. I think he really established the playing style that he wants to have, and we're trying to deliver on that.”
There are two series of two games each in this international window, firstly against Slovenia and then against Panama next week.
Sayer said that the games were a good opportunity to build momentum and get to know their opposition and each other.
“I really like the fact that we're playing so many games in such quick succession, so I think it'll be good,” she said.
“We’re playing the same opposition twice, with Slovenia and Panama, so being able to now know our opposition and know our playing style at the same time, we'll be able to combine those two and really perform.”
This is Sayer’s second camp back after an ACL injury saw her miss the better part of a year, including the Paris Olympics.
She could empathise with the emotions when teammate Holly McNamara, having suffered three ACLs in her short career already, scored her first goal for the national team on Thursday evening.
“I actually thought Holly had already scored, because she's always in the goalmouth, and she's so talented at getting in there and having those attacking chances,” she said.
“But you could see the relief on her face, especially with the trials and tribulations she's been through with three ACLs. I can imagine - I mean, I know exactly how she was feeling, and you could see it on her face as well.
“When she was celebrating, she was just looking up and just so happy to get it in finally. And she had a lot of chances in the game. I can really relate to it.”
The game was the first full match that Sayer had played for the national team since her injury return.
“I feel great, so I hope I can put away another performance like that,” she finished.
COMMBANK MATILDAS | JUNE/JULY 2025 | MATCH SCHEDULE
Series One
CommBank Matildas 3 v Slovenia 0
Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025
CommBank Matildas v Slovenia
Date: Sunday, 29 June 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
Series Two
CommBank Matildas v Panama
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
Kick-off: 2.30pm WST / 4.30pm AEST
Venue: Hands Oval, Bunbury
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
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
