The twin sister of an injured Matildas star is in line to make her international debut in a star-studded tournament later this month.
And she could slot into a forward set-up that includes superstar Mary Fowler.
Brisbane Roar's goal-scoring gun Laini Freier is one of 23 players picked in the squad to head to America for the SheBelieves Cup.
The 23-year-old attacking weapon has scored seven goals in nine games this A-League season to put her equal first in the domestic competition.
She won't be joined in America by her twin sister Sharn, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Freier will, however, get to learn off one of the best in the business as Manchester City livewire Fowler returns to don the green and gold. Fowler sat out the Matildas' December home matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei due to mental and physical fatigue.
Mary Fowler of Australia. Getty
The Matildas fan favourite has been in hot form in the Women's Super League, netting five goals and three assists from her past five games for City, including one extraordinary strike that went viral.
Fellow Super League stars Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler – as well as Kaitlyn Torpey who plays in America – all return to represent Australia.
The Matildas will take on the USA, Japan, and Colombia in a round-robin format starting on February 21 (AEDT).
The SheBelieves Cup has been running for a decade, but this is the first time Australia will feature in it.
"We've selected a squad with the clear objective of winning this tournament," interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said.
Laini Freier of the Roar in action. Getty
"While some challenges came with players returning from European winter breaks and the restart of the USA and Scandinavian leagues, these realities also created opportunities.
"It's important to carry on exposing emerging players to high-level, tournament-style football early.
"Our technical staff have been watching A-League matches all summer, ensuring we get a full picture of player form and fitness. Selection is always competitive, and we've built a squad that reflects that. It's crucial to have depth and balance in the group as we prepare for the challenges ahead.
"With the AFC Women's Asian Cup on the horizon, internal competition within the squad is key. Every player knows they need to push for their place, and this tournament gives us another chance to see how they respond in a high-pressure environment. SheBelieves will provide valuable insights as we fine-tune our preparations moving forward."
The squad is still missing superstar striker Sam Kerr.
Kerr is yet to play since rupturing an ACL in her knee a year ago, and is currently in court in England for allegedly racially abusing a police officer.
MATILDAS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Chloe Lincoln
Defenders: Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Charli Grant, Winonah Heatley, Natasha Prior
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Daniela Galic, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Holly McNamara, Michelle Heyman, Laini Freier
