5 Matildas you mightn't know but soon will

Once again outside influences have necessiated that the Matildas rebuild their squad.  In 2008 it was the retirement of several stalwarts, this time round its injury that has ravaged the World Cup squad. 

However, as last time, several promising players have stepped into the breach for the national team.  Here is the low down on five of those players you might not know but you will soon.

Ashley Brown stepping up into the breach | Graeme Gilmer 

Danielle Brogan

Danielle Brogan's move into the national team mirrors the way she plays the game; resilient, tenacious and strong.  Cut in the run up to the World Cup, Brogan spent the 2011/12 W-League proving a point to the coaching staff, albeit most probably subconsciously. 

Although she possesses no single identifying characteristic, the 24 year old Sydney FC captain is fast building a reputation as Ms Reliable.  Adept at reading the play, Brogan is often in the right position to break up an attack or clear danger.

While her position at centre back is not yet cemented, many more Player of the Match performances, as she did against Japan, will go a long way to achieving that. 

Ashley Brown

Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, on the pitch the 17 year old is one of Australia's most promising graduates from the U20s. 

A stellar 2011/12 season saw her voted the W-League Young Player of the Year ahead of the likes Victory team mate Stephanie Catley and Brisbane's Emily Gielnik.  

Brown has all the necessary hallmarks of a winger; skilful, with speed of feet and ball movement, a willingness to take on defenders and composure. 

In her short international career she has already demonstrated that she has future potential with strong performances against New Zealand and Japan.

Brianna Davey

A relatively late comer to football, Davey has quickly adapted her AFL skills to the game. 

The 17 year old announced her arrival as "one to watch" during the last W-League when, after replacing Melissa Barbieri as the Melbourne Victory No. 1, she produced several top notch performances to be one of the stand out 'keepers in the league. 

Davey does all that is expected of a goalkeeper well and the US Tour is a perfect opportunity for the shot stopper to hone her skills against the best attack in the women's game. 

Emily Gielnik

183cm Emily Gielnik well and truly made her presence felt in the W-League last season. 

Earning the nickname "super-sub", the 20 year old had the knack of being in right place at the right time and was a large reason for the Brisbane Roar making their fourth straight Grand Final.  

As you would expect, Gielnik is good with her head but is arguably even better with her feet. 

In Australia, and with her FA WSL club Liverpool, Gielnik is already building a reputation as a striker who reads the play well and finishes off her opportunities.   

Michelle Heyman

Heyman is the poster child for the W-League.  Not only because she is the All-time leading goalscorer or that she that she is the reigning Golden Boot winner, but Heyman was one of those players who would have been lost to the sport if not for the W-League. 

An out and out striker, Heyman possesses all the key attributes that make a deadly sharpshooter. 

Strong and powerful with deceptive acceleration and, most importantly, a clinical finish, the 24 year old's international career as just begun and her best is yet to come.