‘Disappointing’ reality keeping Matildas star from A-League return
Ellie Carpenter would love to finish her career in Australia, but the “disappointing” current state of the A-League makes that dream difficult to see becoming a reality.
The 26-year-old is set to play on home soil this week, only she will be with English giants Chelsea as they take on the A-League All Stars on Wednesday.
Ellie Carpenter moved to Chelsea last season SBS
Carpenter got her start as a professional in the then W-League, which during her era as a young player was a stepping stone for Matildas players.
But the rise and financial opportunities that come with being in the European and US domestic leagues created chances she and others can’t pass up.
The likes of Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord all moved and remain overseas, whereas Tameka Yallop, Michelle Heyman and Cortnee Vine have all signed in the Australian domestic league for the upcoming season.
The trio’s involvement comes amid an ongoing pay dispute within the league – a subject which Carpenter was not afraid to discuss.
“It’s just disappointing to see where the league is at now in Australia – especially coming off the back of the World Cup in 2023 and the buzz here,” she said.
“I really think that we need to follow that and we need to invest more.
“I think we need to make the league here attractive to have some Matildas, including myself, come back and want to play in this league.
“It has so much potential to be such a competitive league and also a great pathway for the younger generation coming through.
“We all played in this league – I played in it for five years.”
The most significant difference Carpenter wants to see for the league to get back to where it was is an overall investment in the players, facilities and development.
“You see clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Lyon ... they are making that investment in their squads,” she added.
“You can see how women’s football is rising year by year. We have record signings and transfers ... it is all investment. Australia has that potential (to do the same). It just needs a bit more investment to make it a fulltime program.
“AFL and the NRL do it great – cricket as well. Those sports look after their players, pay them a wage that they can live on. That’s not the case for the A-League, which I think is really poor.
“You could see at the World Cup how many people want to watch women’s football. Seeing how much talent we have here in Australia (at that tournament), and us coming fourth at the World Cup is unheard of. If that wasn’t an eye-opener for Australia to keep building on it, then I don’t know what is.”
Aggie Beever-Jones celebrates with teammates Ellie Carpenter and Nathalie Bjoern. Getty
Despite being open to the idea of finishing her playing career where she started, the lack of financial appeal to do so deters her from doing so.
“I don’t think that’s really on the cards, financially, for me to come back here,” Carpenter said.
“I’m still youngish and in the middle of my career. I don’t think I would think about (coming back either). Hopefully that changes and I could be stood here in eight years ending my career in Australia.”
Carpenter and her Chelsea teammates will take on the A-League All Stars on Wednesday at Allianz Stadium.
