Matildas set for W-League

Tom Sermanni expects all Matildas to line-up for the W-League opener expected to be late October.

Lisa De Vanna and Kate Gill are the only doubts at this stage but he's hopeful they wil return from Sweden in time to play.

Speaking from China where Sermanni is scouting the Japanese men's group for Olyroo's Coach Graham Arnold the Matildas Coach was delighted with the new league and delighted there would be eight teams.

"At first I thought six would be good, but this will enable others to step up and they will. So it provides more opportunities for more players and that's a good thing.

"Everyone should be available for the opening round, although I'm still not sure when that will be.

"There's a Young Matildas camp in August followed by a Matildas camp in September. Then the Matildas play in the ASEAN Cup in October, we're not sure where that is yet."

The Matildas didn't finish high enough in the recent Asia Cup to guarantee a place in the next World Cup Qualifiers so have to play in the Asean Cup.

There are also Under 20 World Cup Qualifiers for the Young Matildas coming up in October and the location of that tournament is still unknown.

Sermanni will leave Tianjin, China and it's polluted sky as soon as the Olyroos are knocked out. Which could be Wednesday but let's hope he gets to stay in China a little longer, for our sake if not his!