The CommBank Young Matildas have continued their dominance in the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
In the Round 2 Qualifiers, Australia was placed in Group A along with Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon with the matches taking place from 3rd to 11th June 2023.
The Young Matildas maintained their grip, clinching a 2-0 victory over Vietnam. The win keeps their undefeated record intact throughout both Round 1 and Round 2.
Before heading to the qualifiers, players attended a rigorous camp in Sydney to prepare for the competition ahead.
The National Indigenous Times spoke with the Young Matildas captain of their previous campaign in Canberra, Dhudhuroa and Yorta Yorta woman Emilia Murray, on her recent selection and football history.
Born in Wodonga, Victoria, Ms Murray showed a strong football prowess when she was only young, having played with her older siblings growing up.
She began her career already playing against the big girls in Wodonga but soon moved to Adelaide where she was emerging as a top player for the Comets FC and soon being recognised by the state programs.
Murray rose through the ranks where she earned a spot with Adelaide United during the 2021-22 season, then almost doubling her playing time in the 2022-23 season.
Murray enjoyed her time playing and training overseas.
"The place we stayed had a crazy gym and we were just in there every day working and training," she said.
"It was definitely harder than the first round qualifiers, they have a different style of play and obviously they were used to their weather. It was interesting to see how many other team dealt with that, too.
"I think I did well. I would have liked to get on the scoresheet but I made a few assists."
She is grateful for her selection to the 23 woman squad and is keen to show the world what she can do, in preparation for the 2024 AFC U20 World Cup.
She notes being apart of Australian women's football right now feels right as the competition is gaining popularity and the opportunities are there for those willing to work the hardest.
With the Women's Fifa World Cup 2023 just over two weeks away, Murray is excited to see the competition finally brought over to Australia and New Zealand.
"I'm super excited for it," she said.
"I think it's crazy that we haven't had one here. I feel like the timing of it is perfect."
Murray hopes to play for the Matildas, representing Australia in the World Cup and even move overseas to bring her talents to the English Premiere League.
"It would be awesome to play for Chelsea or Manchester United"
Above all else, she would love to go back home to Wodonga to share her knowledge and pass on what she's learned in her career to the young mob.
"After my career id love to make a clinic and get as many mob in as I can.
"I just want to give back to the community and have clinics all over Australia and get all the kids involved."
At only 18 years of age, Murray has shown she is a force to be reckoned with and her aspirations lead us to believe she will become one of our sporting greats revered for their professional and community work.
Tickets for the FWWC 2023 are still available at fifa.com.
