Jada Whyman will have to wait a little longer for her Matildas debut after being dealt a heartbreaking blow on the eve of the national side's AFC Asian Cup opener against the Philippines on Sunday.
The Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta goalkeeper appeared poised to pull on the gloves for her first international appearance in what proved a 1-nil win in Boorloo.
Sam Kerr found the back of the net in the 14th minute.
A knee injury has ruled Whyman out of the tournament, as confirmed at the weekend, with the Matildas forced to go with their fourth-string option between the goals.
Whyman, 26, was in the box seat as injury clouds hung over incumbent first choice keeper Mackenzie Arnold after Teagan Micah was withdrawn a week out from the tournament's start with concussion.
Chloe Lincoln made her fourth international appearance on Sunday after being a late call-up to the squad.
The Asian Cup presents as the Matildas chance to lift major tournament silverware for the first time since 2010 after a disappointing Olympic campaign in Paris the year following a semi-final finish in a home World Cup.
Australia are the third-highest FIFA ranked outfit in the tournament.
It was also Whyman's first inclusion in the senior national squad for a major competition.
The list ahead of her grew shorter with the retirement of 100-game international veteran and Noongar woman Lydia Williams in 2024.
Morgan Aquino comes in as her replacement in the squad.
📰 SQUAD UPDATE: goalkeeper Jada Whyman has been ruled out of the #WAC2026 due to a knee injury. Whyman will be replaced in the 26-player squad by Morgan Aquino.
We're absolutely heartbroken for you, Jada, and are sending you all our love and strength as you begin your recovery....
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) March 1, 2026
Whyman has long sat on the peripherie of a start with the Matildas, being a regular face in camps for some time, debuting with the national U20s side a decade ago.
After winning her second A-League championship with Sydney FC in 2024, Whyman joined Swedish club AIK Fotboll.
The Matildas next face Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on Kombumerri Country Thursday night.
