Midfielder Tameka Butt believes the incredible amount of depth in the Westfield Matildas squad is a major advantage heading into next month’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Since Alen Stajcic took the reins of the Westfield Matildas four years ago, the talent pool in the women’s game has gone to another level with a host of youngsters joining the established stars in the Aussie team.
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It’s meant the Westfield Matildas have a plethora of options which Butt believes gives them a huge benefit going to major events, like April’s Asian Cup in Jordan.
“It’s good to have great depth, especially when you play tournaments and games back-to-back,” Butt told https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/.
“It’s quite taxing and recovery is generally short so it’s really good to have the depth that we do.
“When we do get to play in tournament-style like [the Algarve Cup], which matches things like the Asian Cup and World Cup, it’s really good to get our bodies used to that.
“It’s hard but at the same time you learn how to recover quicker and mentally as well gets you prepared for each game.
“You play one game and then you have to mentally switch on to the next game, and it could be a whole different team.”
The Westfield Matildas squad have been preparing in Perth for the last week, with Monday’s clash against Thailand at nib Stadium their last match before heading to the Asian Cup.
With the exception of the injured Caitlin Foord, Australia is at full-strength for the tournament, where a top-five finish will secure their spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Given their exploits over the last 12 months, the Westfield Matildas have played in front of some big crowds on home soil and there could be another packed stadium in Perth.
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Butt said the squad has been blown away by the support they have got from the Australian public and insists it gives them a boost in every match.
“The support we have got from the Australian community and local areas where we have been training and playing, it’s been unreal,” she said.
“It does really motivate us and help us. We’re really looking forward to the game in Perth.
“Thailand is a good lead up to Asian Cup for us,” Butt added.
“They are definitely up and coming in Asia and we’ll be playing some pretty hard teams come Jordan.”
Westfield Matildas v Thailand
WHEN: Monday, March 26 - kick-off 9pm AEDT
WHERE: nib Stadium, Perth
HOW TO WATCH: LIVE on Fox Sports 501 and SBS Viceland