There’s a question lingering in the air for Australian women’s football: what if you could start fresh? This is precisely the perspective Joe Montemurro, the newly appointed Matildas coach, is embracing as he sets lofty yet achievable goals for the team and the broader women’s game in Australia.

A Fresh Approach Compared to Predecessors

Montemurro’s vision markedly differs from that of his predecessor, Tony Gustavsson. He possesses a clear strategy on how he aims for the Matildas to play—focusing on “possession-based, controlled, beautiful, and exciting football.” This framework serves to establish a national style and identity for both the Young Matildas (U-20) and Junior Matildas (U-17).

Prioritizing Player Development

Following the Matildas’ rise to fame during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the team faced challenges during a disappointing Olympic campaign in Paris 2024 and the subsequent search for Gustavsson’s successor. Montemurro now carries the dual responsibility of achieving results on the pitch while also laying the groundwork for future development in women’s football.

His focus on player pathways and football philosophies is not only refreshing but essential, as he aims to reshape the current landscape. This dual focus is uncommon for imported coaches, yet Montemurro sees it as critical for his success as head coach.

Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities

The Australian Professional Leagues currently oversee the A-League Women (ALW), which is vital for nurturing talent. However, as Tom Sermanni noted recently, the league remains “grossly under-invested.” Players have expressed a significant need for full professionalism by the 2026-27 season and enhancements to the match-day experience.

While Montemurro acknowledges these challenges, he maintains an optimistic outlook for the future, aiming to engage grassroots participation and ensure a sustainable brand for women’s football in Australia.

Creative Talent Identification

One of Montemurro’s cornerstones is addressing talent identification and facilitating seamless transitions from junior levels to the senior national squad. He emphasizes the necessity for players to gain more exposure to high-performance environments and international matches.

“We need to play more. We need to coach more. We need to get players exposed to more high-performance, international football and international games.”

Elevating Women’s Football Support Structures

Montemurro identifies a fundamental challenge across women’s sports: the lack of investment in support staff, including physiotherapists and strength coaches, which leads to injuries and underperformance. He aims for every ALW team to have a fully staffed, dedicated support system to promote player welfare and development.

He also advocates for a potential restructure where women’s teams operate independently of men’s clubs, citing successful models such as Angel City FC in the USA.

Building a Unique Brand for Women’s Football

Montemurro insists that chasing equality for women does not equate to mirroring men’s structures. Instead, it requires creating an environment tailored specifically for women, including infrastructure designed from the ground up.

“You have to create that sustainable brand first, and that’s not a lot of money. It’s just desire, will, and football IP.”