Clare Hunt’s first call-up for the Matildas is evidence Western Sydney are a club on the up, according to Wanderers boss Kat Smith.
Defender Hunt is the only uncapped player in Tony Gustavsson’s set-up for the Cup of Nations tournament, which starts next week and pits Australia against Czechia, Spain and Jamaica.
Hunt will link up with the national team after completing her Liberty A-League duties on Sunday when the Wanderers face Wellington Phoenix at home.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Smith said.
“As a coach, you love to play that small part along their journeys to ensure they can be the best version of themselves.
“This club enables Clare, and other players (to do that). We have three players in the Young Matildas as well.
“We’ve got high standards and a competitive environment which will push these players.”
Hunt has been key to the Wanderers’ mid-season revival under Smith.
Winless in 15 games earlier this season, Western Sydney have turned a corner and picked up three wins and two draws from their last seven games.
They are undefeated at Wanderers Football Park in their last four outings and will aim to maintain that run when the Phoenix make the trip across the ditch.
Bottom-placed Wellington have also been on the up in recent weeks.
They enjoyed a 5-0 thrashing of Canberra three weeks ago, before coming from 2-0 down with 10 players to snatch a draw away at Brisbane in their last outing.
The Phoenix had a bye last week and coach Nathalie Lawrence said the side felt ready to finish the season strongly.
“Our January was crazy, so being able to give the players a little bit of time to recharge (was positive),” she said.
“I was worried about the momentum and whether that would shift slightly but they’ve come back training this week all guns blazing.
“A little bit of time to regather our thoughts and get rid of any little niggles has really helped.”
