Will Casey Dumont be involved with the Matildas when Australia’s national team comes together for February’s international friendlies?
After Dumont’s standout performance for Melbourne Victory on New Year’s Eve, the consensus was clear – “there is no reason” why she should not be called into the upcoming camp by Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson.
Dumont thwarted Canberra United as defending champions Victory held on for a 1-0 win in Melbourne on Saturday.
It was another example of Dumont’s immense quality after the four-time Liberty A-League champion’s heroics in last season’s Grand Final triumph – the 30-year-old was named the Player of the Match, while she also claimed the 2022 A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Dumont – who has three Australia caps since 2015 – has not looked back since recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in 2020, with Dub Zone crew firmly placing her in the Matildas equation following an injury to Sydney FC star Jada Whyman.
Network 10 commentator Teo Pellizzeri sparked the discussion post-game by saying: “Casey Dumont… the February window is coming, Jada Whyman is out with a broken finger.
“Really, there is no reason Casey Dumont shouldn’t be in the Matildas squad for this February window, especially given they will be playing three friendlies in quick succession.”
Liberty A-League appearance record holder Teresa Polias replied: “Absolutely.
“I don’t know how long Jada is out for but even if Jada was fit and healthy, could they both be included? I’m not sure what the numbers are for camps but Casey Dumont today made a huge statement.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised.”
Pellizzeri said: “She hasn’t been on the radar Under Tony Gustavsson’s leadership.”
Polias: “It’s baffling as to why she isn’t.”
Pellizzeri: “We know he was at the Grand Final last season. At least he knows what Casey Dumont looks like.”
Polias: “To me, there is no reason she shouldn’t have already been involved so I’d love to find out what the reason is that she hasn’t.”
‘I’m surprised she hasn’t been given an opportunity yet’
That was the view of former Sydney FC striker Teresa Polias regarding Adelaide United star Chelsie Dawber.
Before Saturday’s three simultaneous kick-offs, the Dub Zone crew discussed the Matildas and which strikers could come into the team ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Among the players discussed was Dawber, who is back on loan at Adelaide from the National Women’s Soccer League.
Dawber, who scored 10 goals during Adelaide’s run to the 2021-22 semi-finals, already has two goals and an assist this term.
With Melbourne Victory’s Melina Ayres, ex-Sydney FC forward Remy Siemsen and Brisbane Roar’s Larissa Crummer also mentioned, a strong case was made for Dawber.
“This February window is coming pretty soon and if Chelsie Dawber can get on a goalscoring run, this is her moment now to really make a move and say ‘pick me for the Matildas, give me my international debut for these three games in February,” Network 10 commentator Teo Pellizzeri said prior to Adelaide’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle Jets.
Polias replied by saying: “I’m surprised she hasn’t been given an opportunity yet, like a real solid opportunity with the Matildas. Because she has had great seasons in the A-League Women.
“I really hope the floodgates open for her and she does get the chance because she is a great player.”
Continuing the Matildas theme, the question was posed – who would you pick to come into camp to test themselves?
Sydney’s 19-year-old defender Kirsty Fenton was highlighted by Pellizzeri.
“The one player I want to come into Matildas camp this season is Kirsty Fenton and that’s based on what we saw at Newcastle last season and what we saw at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, and it’s what we’ve seen with Sydney FC this season,” he said.
“But it also helps that she walks into a defensive unit that has already been performing at a high level.”
Polias added: “She’s fit in seamlessly hasn’t she and really made up for the loss of Ally Green.”
