*cracks knuckles* let’s talk.
The Matildas have a friendly against Mexico in April, in the context of we also have games locked in against China in May and the Olympics is in July.
Two core parts of our starting XI have picked up late injuries in Gorry and Hunt – noting we don’t know just how bad Gorry’s is apart from season ending, while Hunt is a stress fracture that could be 6+ weeks.
While a third defender in Nevin is also out due to injury.
The replacements are two wide forwards and a defender.
Why are we calling in Gielnik? She’s not a defender or midfield, so not a straight replacement. Add on the consistency and high, high bar her contemporary in Heyman set – who had to wait 12 months too long to be recalled – and it simply doesn’t make sense.
Gielnik is a good dub forward, she’s produced a handful of quality games for Victory. But she’s not been fit enough nor consistent enough to warrant a red hot go at a squad that will be reduced to 18 for the Olympics. It’s lazy picking a player that could get a job done in a one off friendly but won’t be benefiting from the experience as a young player would.
How are we not calling in a player from our successful under 20 Asian Cup squad?
Anyone analysing the squad would be pointing to our lack of centre back depth and questioning why we’ve not brought in more with Hunt (and even Nevin who plays there for Leicester) late omissions.
Our defence was solid at the u20 level, give one or two them a taste of seniors for a friendly that’s still four months out from the Olympics.
Heatley who plays in Denmark is only two or so matches into the season. So while she’s a promising defender who statistically is a good pick, it doesn’t make sense why to bring her in yet – but should’ve been a good shot to make the next camp if we’re serious about blooding in young defenders.
If we were serious, we’d look at the schedule and acknowledge this is the last chance for a dub played until next November (one who played in the Asian Cup perhaps..) and to give them a game before they enter their offseason.
Don’t even get me started on picking another winger and if Freier starts at fullback it’ll be like adding gravy to a freshly picked punnet of berries – just please don’t do that.
The squad smells of not wanting to create legitimate competition to the 18 who are more or less set in stone to make the Olympics, and with no eyes on the future.
I know there’s been speculation of Gustavsson leaving, particularly at the end of the World Cup. I’ve liked to ignore it the way I do capsicum in a dish, it’s there, adds a bit of spice but I don’t really care for it and dodge it where possible.
But this is like putting a whole capsicum in front of me and going “enjoy!”. The squad selections is throwing everything at the Olympics with little regard for what’ll come afterwards.
I’m sure people will disagree, and to that I say enjoy your capsicums. But, it just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 