In sharp form for the Brisbane Roar, 21-year-old goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln is chasing a spot in the CommBank Matildas squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Lincoln has notched over 50 appearances in the Ninja A-League and joined the Roar this season, after spells with Canberra United and Western United. She’s been vital to maintaining the Roar’s unbeaten run in 2026.
After representing Australia at U20 and U23 levels, Lincoln made her full international debut in October 2024 against Chinese Taipei at just 19. Recently, in December last year, she was part of the Matildas squad that played a two-match series against the New Zealand Football Ferns in Gosford and Adelaide.
“You can take so much learning from the Matilda’s environment,” Lincoln said.
“Observing the older girls in the group and how they operate on and off the pitch, especially Mack [Mackenzie Arnold] and Teagan [Teagan Micah]. You get to see in detail the little things they do that make them the level they are.”
The Matildas are set to play in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, hosted across Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast from March 1–21. The top six tournament finishers will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Lincoln is vying to secure a place in the tournament squad and shares that excitement is building in the Matildas camp at the prospect of playing a major tournament on home soil once again, reminiscent of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“It was really good to get the results against the Kiwis [in December] and it gave the team a lot of confidence. The girls are buzzing to start the tournament.”
As preparations continue on the international front, Lincoln’s focus remains firmly with the Roar, where she has been in impressive form between the posts. Her saves were vital in Tuesday night’s 1–1 draw with league leaders Melbourne City.
Passionate supporters in orange turned out to spur the team on against the league’s frontrunners. Tuesday marked the Roar’s first game back at Spencer Park following a run of five away matches and one home game at Kayo Stadium on the Sunshine Coast.
“The crowd really kept us in it. I’m super glad to be at home for the next couple of games and I can’t wait for the second half of the season.”
Despite a quick turnaround, having faced Western Sydney Wanderers just three days earlier, the Roar were in strong defensive form and limited City’s attacking threats. Their only goal conceded came from the penalty spot.
“Sometimes penalties happen, but it’s about the way that we bounce back. That defensive performance will give us a lot of confidence going into our match against Canberra.”
The Roar’s fast-paced schedule continues and they will host Canberra United at Spencer Park on Friday night.
