Polias, Allen return in Milicic's first Matildas squad
21st February 2019
Brisbane: Teresa Polias and Teigen Allen will return to the international scene after long stretches in the wilderness, after Ante Milicic named the pair in his first Australian women's national team squad as head coach on Thursday.
The 23-strong squad, which will compete in the Australia-hosted Cup of Nations tournament from February 28, also features Hayley Raso, who has recovered from a horror back injury suffered in October 2018.
Star names like Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord are present as expected, but it is the inclusion of returning duo Polias and Allen which commands the most attention ahead of the competition, which also features Korea Republic, New Zealand and Argentina.
Polias, who captained Sydney FC to the W-League Championship on Saturday, returns to the national team for the first time since 2015, while Allen, a defender with Melbourne Victory, last featured in the green and gold three years ago.
Polias, 28, is one of six players from the victorious Sydney FC outfit to earn selection.
Raso's recall comes after a herculean effort to recover from a back injury so severe the winger was initially totally unable to move her body, and feared she would be unable to walk.
Princess Ibini, Aivi Luik and Eliza Campbell are the other returning players in Milicic's squad, with former AFC Player of the Year Katrina Gorry (pictured below, left) arguably the most notable absentee.
Confirmed as the replacement for sacked former coach Alen Stajcic came earlier this week, just over three months before June's FIFA Women's World Cup, Milicic said hitting the ground running would be imperative for his side.
“It is important that we make the most of the next two weeks that we have together both on and off the pitch" he said.
"With matches and travel in quick succession throughout the Cup of Nations, this tournament will replicate some of the demands that we will experience at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, which will be a good test for everyone involved.”
Australia's Cup of Nations campaign begins against New Zealand next Thursday, with matches to follow against Korea Republic on March 3 and Argentina three days later.
Australia Squad - Cup of Nations
Name Club Caps (Goals)
Teigen ALLEN Melbourne Victory FC 39 (0)
Laura ALLEWAY Melbourne Victory FC 57 (2)
Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK) Brisbane Roar FC 22 (0)
Tameka BUTT Melbourne City FC 74 (10)
Eliza CAMPBELL (GK) Perth Glory FC 2 (0)
Ellie CARPENTER Canberra United 28 (1)
Steph CATLEY Mebourne City FC 69 (2)
Alex CHIDIAC Atletico Madrid (ESP) 14 (1)
Lisa DE VANNA Sydney FC 143 (45)
Caitlin FOORD Sydney FC 67 (14)
Emily GIELNIK Melbourne Victory FC 24 (5)
Princess IBINI Sydney FC 5 (0)
Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT Melbourne City FC 102 (1)
Aanna KENNEDY Sydney FC 74 (6)
Samantha KERR Perth Glory FC 72 (27)
Chloe LOGARZO Sydney FC 37 (6)
Aivi LUIK Levante UD (ESP) 19 (0)
Teresa POLIAS Sydney FC 10 (0)
Clare POLKINGHORNE Brisbane Roar FC 112 (9)
Haley RASO Brisbane Roar FC 30 (2)
Gema SIMON Newcastle Jets FC 8 (0)
Emily VAN EGMOND Newcastle Jets FC 82 (18)
Lydia WILLIAMS (GK) Melbourne City FC 74 (0)
Source: the-afc.com