The Westfield Matildas will be looking to go one better at next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan after losing the final to Japan in 2014.
And Alen Stajcic’s side will start favourites for the tournament after an incredible 2017 which has included an historic win at the Tournament of Nations and friendly series wins over Brazil and China.
We’ve picked out four players who could prove the difference come the Asian Cup in April of 2018.
SAM KERR
No surprise Kerr makes the list given her phenomenal year for club and country. It’s almost impossible to list all of her achievements in 2017.
Kerr was last month named the AFC’s Women’s Player of the Year for 2017, to go with her Julie Dolan Medal for the Westfield W-League's 2016/17 season, the PFA Women's Footballer of the Year award, and the NWSL's Most Valuable Player award.
And she’s been red-hot for the Westfield Matildas, scoring 11 goals in her last six outings in the green and gold.
CAITLIN FOORD
Hard to believe Foord is still just 23 given how she’s become a mainstay of the national team over the last few years.
Able to play basically anywhere on the pitch, from full-back to attack, Foord has searing speed and great technical ability, making her almost impossible to stop in full flight.
She will know plenty of the Japanese side given she plays her club football with Vegalta Sendai.
STEPH CATLEY
Another player who has blossomed under Stajcic over the last couple of years, Catley provides class and stability in the Westfield Matildas defence.
Equally strong at left-back or in central defence, the 23-year-old is every bit an international player, with more than 60-caps to her name already.
She’s not only tenacious in the tackle but has great engines and athleticism to get forward and join in the attack with her superb left-foot.
HAYLEY RASO
Like Foord, Raso has great versatility and can be a real weapon in both boxes.
The Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League star is coming off a dream 2017 that has seen her become a regular member of Stajcic’s squad with 24 caps now to her name.
Raso, 23, was also a key member of Portland Thorns’ championship-winning side in the NWSL, scoring seven goals and having three assists from 24 appearances.
