Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop sustained a suspected hamstring injury during Brisbane Roar’s 2–0 defeat to Melbourne Victory in the final round of the A-League Women season, putting her availability for the upcoming international window in serious doubt.
The injury occurred in the 89th minute at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, with Yallop clutching her right hamstring and requiring assistance to leave the field. The Roar midfielder initially attempted to walk off the pitch but ultimately had to be piggy-backed to the change rooms after being unable to bear weight on her right leg.
Scans Awaited as Matildas Sweat on Midfielder’s Fitness
Roar head coach Alex Smith confirmed post-match that Yallop would undergo scans early next week in Brisbane.
“I think it’s her hammy,” Smith said.
“She said it locked out a little bit, so we just need to figure out why that is. If it’s bad, it’s bad — but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
The full extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed, but any significant injury would rule the 32-year-old out of Australia’s May and June friendlies against Argentina, which form part of the Matildas’ preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Another Blow for Matildas Amid Fowler’s ACL Injury
Yallop’s potential absence compounds an already grim injury list for the Matildas, coming just days after Mary Fowler was ruled out for up to 12 months with a ruptured ACL. The Manchester City attacker suffered the knee injury during training and will miss the remainder of 2025.
The back-to-back injuries to key players have raised alarm bells for Tony Gustavsson’s coaching staff, with Yallop’s experience and recent form proving vital in Australia’s midfield rotation.
Yallop’s Strong Season Ends in Disappointment
Despite Brisbane Roar failing to qualify for the A-League Women finals, Yallop enjoyed a standout campaign, scoring 12 goals and leading the club’s attacking efforts. Her leadership and consistency have earned her high praise throughout the 2024–25 season.
The Roar finished seventh on the ladder, and Saturday’s clash was a dead rubber in terms of standings. Victory, already locked into second place behind premiers Melbourne City, used the match to maintain rhythm ahead of finals.
“It just kind of sums up the game, sums up 2025 for our football club,” said Smith.
“We’ve had our ups and downs. But this injury — it’s just cruel timing.”
Matildas’ Upcoming Fixtures at Risk for Injured Stars
With Australia set to host Argentina in two high-profile friendly matches in late May and early June, both Yallop and Fowler were expected to feature prominently. The pair played key roles during the Matildas’ recent Olympic qualification campaign and are considered integral to Australia’s squad depth.
Yallop’s absence would leave Gustavsson with a significant gap in midfield. Known for her versatility and work rate, Yallop has been a staple of the national team setup for over a decade, earning more than 110 international caps.
Victory Maintain Momentum Ahead of Finals
On the pitch, Melbourne Victory continued their strong end to the season, controlling possession and punishing Brisbane through Catherine Zimmerman and Maja Markovski, who both found the net. The result gave Victory a boost as they prepare for a likely semi-final rematch with Sydney FC.
Brisbane, meanwhile, will turn their attention to off-season recovery and potential squad rebuilds, with Smith acknowledging the club’s broader struggles this season, from inconsistent form to mounting injury concerns.
Player Welfare in Focus as Injuries Rise
The injuries to Yallop and Fowler have prompted renewed discussions around player load, scheduling, and pitch conditions in both domestic and international women’s football. While Yallop’s injury was non-contact, hamstring issues are common in athletes exposed to tight travel and condensed fixture calendars.
As Football Australia and the A-League Women seek to enhance pathways and improve player support systems, incidents like these spotlight the importance of deeper squad rotation and better medical infrastructure.
What’s Next for Yallop and the Matildas?
The full results of Yallop’s medical scans are expected early next week. In the meantime, the Matildas will continue their preparations for the Argentina friendlies, likely assessing midfield replacements should she be ruled out.
Players such as Alex Chidiac, Chloe Logarzo, and Emily van Egmond may be called upon to take increased responsibility, particularly if the team’s injury toll worsens in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.
For now, Matildas fans will be hoping for positive news, as one of the team’s most reliable and experienced midfielders faces a nervous wait to determine her immediate playing future.
