According to veteran defender Alana Kennedy, the emergence of new talent and more games under Tony Gustavson have prepared Matilda for success in the Women's Asian Cup better than in the Olympics.
In the first leg under Gustavsson on her way home to the 2023 Women's World Cup, Matilda made history by finishing fourth at last year's Tokyo Olympics - missing out on her first medal in a 4-3 loss to the United States in bronze. -Medal match.
Since that tournament, Australia have played five friendly matches, including two at home against Brazil and world champion Americans.
Gustavsson has used those matches to inject new blood into Australia's set up, which has newcomers like Remy Simson, Claire Wheeler, Courtney Nevin and Charlotte Grant, all under the Swede.
Despite winning just one of those post-Olympic friendly matches, Kennedy says the entire team is in line with Gustavsson's strategy and plans to go to this month's continental championship in India.
Kennedy told AAP, "It feels good... Obviously we've had some players come to experience since the Olympics, and that's why we've always wanted to be on the team."
"It's always good, but I think what we are working on is the same strategy and learnings that we learned from that tournament.
"Certainly we have evolved in some areas since then.
“It has been really nice to have so many games and opportunities to learn more from (Gustavsson) and understand him more.
“He has been here for a while and has definitely settled down and we understand his way of coaching and the philosophy he has implemented here.
"We are still building on some things, but are definitely moving in the right direction and have a good understanding of what he wants from us as players."
Among the fresh faces for the Women's Asian Cup, Gustavsson has also picked 36-year-old midfielder Avi Luik.
The veteran announced his international retirement after the Olympics, but accepted a call-up after talks with Gustavsson before the squad was announced earlier this month.
Kennedy had no idea that Luick was set to make an international comeback, but couldn't be happier to be reunited with a player who was part of Australia's 2010 Asian Cup-winning squad.
"It was (surprise) when we first heard it, but for us he is a great addition to the group that we have at the moment," Kennedy said.
"We are really grateful that he took that opportunity as well.
"It just speaks volumes about her character and how much she loves to play for her country. We are really happy to have Avi back here."