Eight new Matildas debuted in 2024 - here's what they bring to Australia's national women's football team

As the Matildas plan for the 2026 Asian Cup, 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, last year offered a tantalising glimpse into the future of Australian women's football.

The integration of new players into the squad has become increasingly necessary, with key players rested or unavailable last year.

By the numbers, the Matildas welcomed eight debutants, including seven first-time goal scorers, and the return of several lesser-capped players.

With a new coach ushering in a new era for the national team, it's likely we'll see more of these stand-out players in 2025.

Here are the rising stars who have offered a new spark to the squad.

Sharn Freier

Sharn Freier has scored two goals for the Matildas already, and drawn international interest from German club Wolfsburg. (AAP: Rob Prezioso)

Club: Brisbane Roar Position: Attacker Matildas caps: 9 Matildas goals: 2

Perhaps one of the most promising players in the A-League at the moment, Freier has proven herself to be an excellent attacker.

The 23-year-old made her Olympic debut with the Matildas in July, despite having only made two appearances for the national side at the time.

Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, scoring her first Matildas goal against Chinese Taipei in December, followed by her second in the very next game, against the same opponents.

Freier is also in incredible form in the A-League this season, garnering four assists and playing an instrumental role in a strong Roar attack that has scored 28 goals in just nine games.

Her stellar form has drawn international interest already, with Brisbane revealing that Freier will join European giants Wolfsburg after the A-League season ends, for a record club transfer fee.

Freier's knack for pressing the ball forward, electric pace, and sharp finishing make her one to watch.

Winonah Heatley

Winonah Heatley spent three years in Matildas camps before being called up for the team last year. (LightRocket via Getty Images: Olivier Rachon/SOPA Images)

Club: FC Nordsjælland Position: Defender Matildas caps: 4 Matildas goals: 0

Despite being called up to Matildas camps since 2021, it was only in 2024 that Heatley finally made her debut for the national team.

Heatley benefited from the retirement of Matildas' legend Clare Polkinghorne, while an increased reliance on mainstay centre-backs Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt has highlighted the need for more depth in defence.

The 23-year-old impressed in her debut, showing promise both as a defensive midfielder and a central defender.

The Cairns-born player is captain of her Danish club FC Nordsjælland, where last season she scored the goal that secured the team's first-ever title.

With strong leadership instincts and positional versatility, Heatley could offer much to the Matildas if given further opportunities in 2025.

Natasha Prior

Natasha Prior retired in 2018, and worked her way back to professional level last year. (AP: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Club: Newcastle Jets Position: Central Defender Matildas caps: 3 Matildas goals: 2

Natasha Prior's journey to the Matildas is truly remarkable. After a brutal concussion in 2018, she announced her retirement from professional football.

Six years later, inspired by the Matildas' heroic success in the World Cup, she worked her way back to consistent professional football, and in 2024, debuted for the national team.

Prior had an immediate impact after coming on against Brazil, prompting interim head coach Tom Sermanni to remark that he hadn't seen a player who looked as much "like they belonged" in the squad since Clare Hunt.

In her three Matildas appearances, the 180cm-tall centre-back has scored two goals, including a towering header.

Calm and composed, it is her excellent positioning that sets her apart. With a new-found hunger and drive, the future looks very bright for this Newcastle Jets defender.

Kaitlyn Torpey

Kaitlyn Torpey has brought versatility and depth to the Australian team. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)

Club: San Diego Wave Position: Defender Matildas caps: 10 Matildas goals: 1

Kaitlyn Torpey's name might seem surprising on a list of 2024 debutants given how well she has established herself within the team.

A versatile player who can operate as a midfielder, central defender, and full-back, Torpey has brought much-needed depth to the Matildas, particularly during a year of injuries.

Her versatility also saw her break the A-League outbound transfer fee (at an estimated $75,000) when she signed for American club San Diego Wave.

Although she has since struggled for consistent game time in America's National Women's Soccer League, her potential remains undeniable.

Daniela Galic

Daniela Galic is the youngest player in the Matildas squad at 17 years old. (LightRocket via Getty Images: George Hitchens/SOPA Images)

Club: FC Twente Position: Midfielder Matildas caps: 4 Matildas goals: 0

17-year-old Daniela Galic, who is renowned for her clever footwork and creative vision on the field, was named the A-League's Young Player of the Year last season.

Dubbed the "future of Australian football" by former Matilda Grace Gill, Galic's attacking flair and versatility has seen her recognised as one of the best football wonder-kids in the world.

In her national team debut, she showcased these exceptional qualities in abundance, cementing her reputation as a rising star.

Though her move to Dutch club FC Twente broke Melbourne City hearts, her recent inclusion in the Matildas squad promises Australian fans more opportunities to witness her brilliance.

As the youngest player in the Matildas squad, Galic brings both fresh energy and a skill set that could make her a central figure for years to come.

Leah Davidson

Leah Davidson has scored one goal from two matches with the team. (AAP: Rob Prezioso)

Club: Melbourne City Position: Midfielder Matildas caps: 2 Matildas goals: 1

It was back in 2021 that then Melbourne City coach Rado Vidošić predicted that Leah Davidson had the potential to become a Matildas regular.

Davidson immediately lived up to that early endorsement, scoring her first Matildas goal just 6 minutes into her starting debut.

As one of Melbourne City's most consistent and reliable players, Davidson's defensive strength and ability to transition into an attacking role stand out.

Her adaptability could prove a valuable asset for the Matildas moving forward.

Chloe Lincoln

Chloe Lincoln is the first goalkeeper to debut since 2021. (Getty Images: Jonathan DiMaggio)

Club: Western United Position: Goalkeeper Matildas caps: 1 Clean sheets: 1

"This is what you dream of for so long," Chloe Lincoln said after her debut for the Matildas.

"This is the pinnacle for everyone. This is where we want to be."

Aside from Lincoln, no goalkeeper has been given the opportunity to debut in the green and gold since 2021.

The 20-year-old came on for Mackenzie Arnold in the Matildas game against Chinese Taipei as a 60th-minute sub, managing to keep a clean sheet.

Lincoln's performances in youth teams, including at two FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cups and the Under-23's Four Nations Tournament, have long marked her as a prospect to watch.

While there will be healthy competition for the third goalkeeper spot between the likes of Jada Whyman, Lincoln, Morgan Aquino and others, consistent performances for Western United can help Lincoln establish herself as a regular in the Matildas squad.

Laura Hughes

Laura Hughes impressed when she made her debut late last year. (Getty Images: Morgan Hancock)

Club: Melbourne City Position: Midfielder Matildas caps: 1 Matildas goals: 0

Laura Hughes' path to the Matildas is a true fairytale. Within 48 hours, she went from not being in the squad to becoming Matilda #234.

An injury to Chloe Logarzo meant the team needed a reliable midfielder, and Hughes stepped up, impressing enough in that short time frame to earn her debut.

Her stellar domestic performances offer a glimpse into why she quickly earned interim coach Sermanni's confidence.

A consistent presence for league leaders Melbourne City, she has played every minute of their campaign and has found the back of the net with both feet, as well as her head.

Jada Whyman, Morgan Aquino, Isobel Gomez, Hanna Lowry

Jada Whyman lifts the trophy after the A-League Women's Grand Final soccer match in 2023. (AAP: James Gourley)

Fans will relish watching the journeys of these eight debutants unfold, both in the A-League Women and on the international stage.

And there's more to come, with several players earning a well-deserved call-up to the Matildas who have yet to make their mark in green and gold.

These include goalkeepers Jada Whyman (AIK FC) and Morgan Aquino (DC Power), as well as midfielders Isobel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners) and Hanna Lowry (Sydney FC), both of whom had to withdraw from the squad due to injury.

There is much to look forward to in the coming year, with exciting combinations of emerging talent and established stars.

The new era of the Matildas is here.

ABC Sport is partnering with Siren Sport to elevate the coverage of Australian women in sport.

Isha Singhal is a sports writer and content creator with a background in economics, science and communications. She can be found talking about women's football at @IshaOnTheField on social media.

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