Emma Burke 
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni. Photo: Marcio Machado/Football Australia
In a press conference ahead of the Matildas two-game series against Argentina, interim head coach Tom Sermanni blasted the state of Australia’s domestic competition.
“We really need to have, at A-League level, a real rethink,” Sermanni said.
“We started the A-League Women, or the W-League, as it was in those days, in 2008… And at that time, our league was the forefront of women’s leagues.
“Coaches, staff and players [today] are doing exceptionally well. But the league itself is in need of significant improvement in its professionalism,” he said.
This comes off the back of the A-League Women being ranked as the best women’s football competition in the Asian Region.
Though improvements have been made, with the league playing out a full home-and-away schedule for the first time, Sermanni rightfully points out that there is still a long way to go.
“There are three clubs that are suitably staffed – that’s Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix. And the rest of the clubs are completely inadequately staffed. That’s a starting point,” he said.
Sermanni made comparisons between the A-League Women and the newly started Northern Super League (NSL) in Canada, where his newest call-up Kahli Johnson currently plays for Calgary Wild.
“A league has just started in Canada – football wise, we’re well in advance of Canada – where the base salary is twice what our basic salary is, where there’s full time staff, full time players.”
The ALW has a minimum wage of $26,000 (AUD), and each team a salary cap of $600,000 (AUD), while the NSL’s minimum wage sits at $56,000 (AUD) and their salary cap is triple Australia’s at $1.8 million (AUD).
A survey conducted at the conclusion of the 2023/24 ALW season by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the players’ Union, reported that of all respondents, “59% of players said low club salaries would be a reason” they would consider leaving the game early.
Chief Executive of the PFA, Beau Busch, made a statement in support of Sermanni’s comments, echoing the need for the A-League Women becoming a fully professional league.
“The players are crystal clear: the ALW must relaunch as a fully professional competition by the 2026/27 season. We must capitalise on the momentum of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, elevate the match day experience—both in-stadium and on broadcast—and invest in stronger club environments,” he said.
Matildas and Tottenham defender Charli Grant also weighed in on the differences she has seen in club standards, having played for Adelaide United and Swedish sides Rosengård and Vittsjö before making the trip over to England.
“I think seeing the resources there [at Tottenham] compared to Australia was very mind blowing to be honest,” Grant said.
“So seeing things like that does give that drive where you want Australia to be better and push for those facilities, those resources, because having them there every day at Tottenham, it helps you become a better player… You can only imagine what that’d do for Australia if they were given the same resources.”
Sermanni also said there is a huge amount of work that needs to be done.
“It’s even more irritating, when you think how we had the most successful World Cup ever two years ago, and [the] A-League Women are in the situation that they’re in now. It’s just not good enough,” Sermanni said.
Listen to the latest episode of The Dubcast, Round Ball Australia’s Women’s Football podcast on Spotify, Apple, or watch on YouTube, with new episodes every Wednesday.