Fresh of the back off a fourth placed finish at the Algarve Cup in Portugal earlier this month, the Matildas are determined to turn their recent impressive form into silverware.
The tournment will also act as Asia's qualification process for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and Stajcic is leaving no stone unturned as the Matildas set out to win Australia's second Asian Cup title.
The Matildas squad will today begin their preparations for the Asian Cup with a two week training camp in Perth and a clash with Thailand at nib Stadium on March 26 (LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND).
Stajcic has looked to bring in extra firepower up front with the recall of Simon and Gielnik, who were both late withdrawals from Australia's Algarve Cup squad after failing to recover from injuries sustained during the W-League finals series.
Another surprise inclusion is Melbourne City FC midfielder Aivi Luik who has returned to the Matildas after playing her last senior women's international in 2015.
An impressive W-League campiagn from the well travelled midfielder has helped her earn a recall to the Australia squad.
“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the major tournament on our calendar this year and will also be serving as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier so there is plenty at stake,” Stajcic said.
“The players have set themselves specific goals for the Asian Cup which is one of the three major international tournaments along with the FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympics.
“Looking to the tournament, we certainly do not underestimate any of our opposition. The Korea Republic have made great improvements in recent times and Japan are the defending champions so there will be definitely no complacency on our part."
Matildas Asian Cup Squad
Lydia Williams, Caitlin Cooper, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Laura Alleway, Chloe Logarzo, Steph Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alex Chidiac, Emily Van Egmond, Lisa De Vanna, Casey Dumont, Tameka Butt, Alanna Kennedy, Emily Gielnik, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Mackenzie Arnold, Samantha Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Larissa Crummer, Michelle Heyman.
