[Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images]
Football Queensland Community Ambassador Emily Gielnik has been named as one of NINE Queenslanders in the Westfield Matildas’ squad for their upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers in Japan.
Head Coach Alen Stajcic revealed a 20-player squad on Tuesday which will attempt to reach the Olympics for the first time since 2004, with nearly half of the selection either born or raised in the Sunshine State.
Joining Gielnik – who was born in Melbourne but began as a junior at Redlands United – are Brisbane’s Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry, Sunshine Coast star Larissa Crummer and Gold Coast products Tameka Butt, Mackenzie Arnold, Casey Dumont, Aivi Luik and Elise Kellond-Knight.
Polkinghorne will again co-captain the squad with Lisa De Vanna as the team aims to seal a Rio 2016 berth by finishing in the top two at the end of the round robin format.
Gielnik selection is a return to the national team after she missed the Matildas’ run to the Quarter Finals of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Emily Gielnik had a good W-League season and has been impressive when she has come into camp adding a good bit of pace and power to our front line,” Stajcic said of the Brisbane Roar striker.
.@TheMatildas striker @EGielnik ‘It’s been very, very exciting to be a part of this squad.’
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 16, 2016
The squad will depart on Monday morning ahead of a blockbuster first-up meeting with Japan on 29 February.
Despite only two places at Rio 2016 being up for grabs, Stajcic is buoyant about his team’s chances of qualifying having drawn on the inspiration of some of Australia’s great past Olympic athletes as motivation in the lead up.
“It’s a massive challenge but at the same time it is really exciting and a great thrill,” said Stajcic.
“We’ve had some Olympians from different sports come and talk to the group and it certainly raises the hair on the back of your neck thinking about the reward at the end of the rainbow if we can get there.
“To make it to the Olympics would be a massive prize and massive boost for the team and the code. We know what’s at stake and the players and the staff are definitely working hard to get there.”
Each of the Westfield Matildas’ five Olympic Games Qualifiers will be showcased LIVE on 7mate.
CLICK HERE to view the full squad and broadcast schedule.
BREAKING: @TheMatildas squad named for @Rio2016 Qualifying Tournament – https://t.co/gPmTPQVArF pic.twitter.com/ltN3gTn7xk
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 16, 2016