Melbourne City star Holly McNamara has her sites set on a CommBank Matildas return ahead of next month’s SheBelieves Cup in the United States.
McNamara is back fit and scoring goals in the Ninja A-League after recovering from a third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 2025 SheBelieves Cup will take place in the US, where the Matildas will face Japan (February 21), hosts USA (February 24) and Colombia (February 27) in their debut appearance at the prestigious four-nation tournament.
McNamara, who was called up in November 2023 before hurting her ACL, has not been involved in a Matildas squad in three years, with her three caps earned at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“Definitely,” McNamara told reporters when asked if she was eyeing next month’s SheBelieves Cup with the Matildas.
“I’m kind of in the right headspace at the moment, so hopefully, if that comes, that would be amazing. But I’m really just looking forward to this game. I kind of take each week as it comes.”
McNamara, whose league-leading City face rivals Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster derby on Saturday, added: “I’m just focusing on Melbourne City, and then if that comes, and I’ll be very lucky to to kind of get that opportunity if I ever get it again.
City head coach Michael Matricciani was asked about McNamara and whether now was the right time for the 22-year-old to return to the national team.
“She’s an exceptional talent. I know she’s in the Matildas set-up before,” he said.
“When is the right time for her to get in is up to the selectors and Tom (Sermanni) as the coach to make that call.
“Can she go there in two or three weeks time in the break and play 90 minutes? I don’t think so.
