Tom Sermanni: Shaping the Matildas Legacy | #205

In episode 205, Max chats with Inaugural Matildas Head Coach Tom Sermanni! Tom takes us through the evolution of Australian women’s football. From establishing the first national program three decades ago to the first game on home soil, and the landmark reform that saw Australia join the Asian confederation for World Cup qualifiers. Tom takes us back to his beginnings in Scotland, the move to Australia, and the excitement of building something from scratch with the Matildas. He recalls the days when female players had to pay to represent their country, guiding the team to a 2007 World Cup quarter final against Brazil, and the toughest challenges he faced as coach. He also unpacks the fallout from the 2023 World Cup and Paris Olympics, where he rejoined the Matildas to restore confidence and belief. From his first message to the squad after Paris, to empowering players to get back to their best, to handing Sam Kerr her international debut — Tom’s story is one of leadership, resilience, and building a legacy that transformed the game in Australia. All this and much more in episode 205 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/