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In the wake of a disappointing Olympics performance and with a home Asian Cup, a World Cup, and another Olympics all looming, the Matildas are at a critical juncture.
The message is clear: the next coach must not only lead the team through these pivotal tournaments but also build a foundation for the future.
With eight members of the current squad already in their 30s, the inevitable integration of younger talent is becoming a reality.
While some emerging stars like Daniela Galic (FC Twente, Netherlands), Jamilla Rankin (Hoffenheim, Germany), Jada Whyman (AIK, Sweden) and Charlotte McLean (North Carolina Courage, USA) have found opportunities abroad, the A-League remains a key pathway to Matildas selection.
With the 2024-2025 A-League Women's season kicking off this week, here are some of the stand-out players who could soon become regular features in the Matildas squad.
Chloe Lincoln
Club: Western United
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 19
Fresh from her first Matildas call up, Chloe Lincoln is a name to remember.
At just 19, she already boasts significant experience at both the club and international level, having been the first-choice goalkeeper for the U-20 and U-23 Matildas.
Previously a regular starter for Canberra United, Lincoln has made the move to Victorian side Western United ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
In the short amount of time that she has been there, United General Manager Mal Impiombato has already praised Lincoln's impact on the club.
With the retirement of the legendary goalkeeper Lydia Williams, Lincoln has a real opportunity to cement her place in the senior Matildas set-up.
Sophie Harding
Club: Western Sydney Wanderers
Position: Forward
Age: 25
The reigning Julie Dolan medallist, Harding had a breakout season in 2023-2024. The Wanderers striker scored the second highest number of goals in the league last season, falling short only to the evergreen Michelle Heyman.
Harding's greatest strength is her ability to get into the right positions and beat the defender to the ball, especially in aerial battles.
With the Matildas likely to be without Sam Kerr for several more months, Harding could provide a second striker option that the Matildas missed at the Olympics.
The 25-year-old, who is eligible to play for Australia, England, and Ireland, received her first Matildas call up last year. If she continues her red-hot form this season, Harding might just be the answer to Australia's striker dilemma.
Holly McNamara
Club: Melbourne City
Position: Striker
Age: 21
Already capped three times by the Matildas, Holly McNamara's talent has been curtailed by a series of injuries.
Her third ACL injury, suffered just days after being recalled to the Matildas squad last November, has delayed her breakthrough, but it hasn't dimmed her potential. Her resilience and grit only add to the qualities she brings to a team.
McNamara is a dynamic and creative forward, renowned for her ability to finish chances and terrorise defences.
Before her injury, she was having a sensational season, having scored six goals in just five games.
Dubbed one of Australia's brightest, if she can stay fit, McNamara is more than capable of becoming a Matildas regular.
Kayla Morrison
Club: Melbourne City
Position: Central Defender
Age: 28
Kayla Morrison may not be a young prospect, but her performances in the A-League warrant her a consideration.
The Melbourne Victory captain led the league in defensive clearances and aerial duels won last season, while also contributing three goals and two assists.
Morrison's impressive form earned her Melbourne Victory's highest honour, the Victory Medal and a spot in the A-League Team of the Season.
Close to being eligible for the Matildas after acquiring Australian citizenship last year, Morrison could be an ideal replacement for the soon-to-retire Clare Polkinghorne or the sidelined Aivi Luik.
Her leadership, defensive reliability, and attacking threat make her a compelling option for the national side.
Mackenzie Hawkesby
Club: Sydney FC
Position: Midfielder
Age: 24
A brilliant creator, Hawkesby was integral to Sydney FC’s Championship-winning campaign last season.
Despite rejoining the club seven games into the season, she made a significant impact, contributing to eight goals and recording the highest number of shots created in the league. Her vision, precision, and ability to deliver the ball into dangerous areas have established her as a key playmaker in the competition. What’s most impressive is that Hawkesby has maintained this level of creativity for the past three consecutive seasons.
Hawkesby's inclusion in the Matildas squad could potentially help enhance the effectiveness of Mary Fowler, addressing a creative gap that was apparent during the Olympics.
A set-piece maestro, Hawkesby’s consistency and craft provide a strong case for her to be invited into the national team set-up.
Grace Maher
Club: Western United
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25
In 2014, a 15-year-old Grace Maher made history as the youngest player to both debut in the A-League Women and win the competition.
Known as a 'pass master', Maher has developed a reputation as one of the league's best distributors, with an exceptional ability to execute both short and long-range passes with precision.
Though she hasn't been part of a Matildas camp since 2017, Maher remains a versatile talent worth keeping an eye on.
Capable of playing both as a centre-back and a midfielder, her adaptability could provide valuable depth to the Matildas squad. In addition, her strong left foot offers tactical flexibility, something the national team could benefit from in future tournaments.
These emerging talents offer promising options to address key needs in the current Matildas squad. However, with a year's worth of friendlies available to experiment with player combinations, there's every chance we could see even younger stars earn their first call-ups.
Despite still being teenagers, players like Sasha Grove (Western United), Indiana Dos Santos (Sydney FC), and Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory) have already impressed fans and are among the favourites to eventually become integral parts of the national team.
Whatever shape the national team takes over the coming months, it's clear that the A-League's creative midfielders, defensive brick walls and dynamic forwards provide plenty to be excited about.
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Isha Singhal is a women's sports journalist 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.