This Friday (April 4), the Tillies train will come roaring into Allianz Stadium for a hotly contested showdown against Korea Republic – and even though it's just a friendly, fans of the Matildas are already giddy. We love any chance at all to see the girls in green and gold take the pitch – but this game in particular already has football fans talking, with news that Sam Kerr will be rejoining her team after a tricky period of injury and off-field issues.
While it’s highly unlikely the star striker will see any game time during the friendly against Korea Republic (being a friendly, it's said they'll likely rest her), her pitch-side presence will no doubt give a boost to morale for her teammates and fans in the crowd.
After a meeting with the Football Australia Board, it's been confirmed that the 31-year-old will retain her captaincy when she hits the pitch again and is given the all-clear to play. (Props to Steph Catley who has done a fantastic job in the interim as captain while Kerr was on leave.)
It's been well over a year since Kerr has played competitive football, since she tore her ACL during a Chelsea FC training camp all the way back in January, 2024. Since then, Kerr has experienced an tumultuous time including a surgery, injury rehab and a highly publicised court case following a run-in with a London Metropolitan police officer.
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In a joint statement with Football Australia, Kerr expressed regret over how the court case – of which she was found not guilty on one charge of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer – may have negatively impacted her role as captain. “I recognise that leadership means being mindful of our actions both on and off the pitch. I’m proud of the Matildas, the role I have played as a member of that team, and everything we stand for, and I’m committed to learning from this experience,” said the statement.
"Moving forward, I’m focused on doing my part to ensure we grow even stronger together, and I look forward to having the opportunity of rejoining the team once I’m fit and ready.”
As Kerr returns to the team, it will come alongside a change in season as former head coach Tony Gustavsson’s replacement is expected to be announced some time in the coming months.
The Matildas vs Korea Republic match in Sydney will be the first of two friendlies in NSW, with the second to take place in Newcastle on Monday, April 7.
You can still try to nab tickets for this week's Allianz Stadium game here – but if you’re unable to, note that Leichhardt Oval will be hosting a Fan Day on April 1 (this is no April Fools joke!) from 3pm. Fans can head down to the oval without registering or purchasing tickets and catch a glimpse of the Tillies practicing ahead of Friday’s game. You can find out more about that over here.
If you want to watch on telly, the match will be broadcast live and free on Channel 10, and streamed on 10 Play.
WHAT ELSE IS ON THIS WEEK? Check out our ultimate guide, here.
If you're still thinking about the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the buzz it brought to Sydney, you'll be pleased to know that the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will take place in Sydney, on the Gold Coast and in Perth next year. Lessssgo, girls – we’re ready!
The Matildas vs Korea Republic game is on at Allianz Stadium in Sydney this Friday, April 4, 2025. Kick-off is at 8pm AEDT. You can try to get tickets over here.
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