Westfield Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy believes the injuries which have robbed the national team of three experienced stars can be transformed into a long-term positive.
Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord and Emily Gielnik were all forced to withdraw from the Algarve Cup squad, opening the door for uncapped teenagers Emily Condon and Rachel Lowe.
Hannah Brewer and Alex Chidiac are also back in the frame at the beginning of a defining 18-month stretch which includes the AFC Women's Asian Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup.
"I think it's a good opportunity for us to find more depth within the squad," Kennedy told matildas.footballaustralia.com.au.
"For those players coming in, it's important we make sure they know their roles because they're going to be required at some point.
"Someone like Hannah has been here before and I think she had a great W-League season so it would be great to see her out there.
"Even the young ones as well if there's an opportunity for them to get some minutes. That would be great for them to gain some experience."
Kennedy travelled to Portugal fresh from Melbourne City's Westfield W-League Grand Final triumph and credits the strength of that side with keeping her sharp for international duty.
The 23-year-old enjoyed similar success for Australia in 2017 as a record run of seven successive victories instilled new mental weapons.
"The confidence and belief within the squad are high at the moment," she said.
"It's something that's been missing in the past so I think that's a great thing we've picked up along the way.
"We definitely want to build on the success we had last year."