Matildas to play four matches in WA, including landmark game in Bunbury

The Matildas will play four international matches in Western Australia in June and July, with three in Perth and one in the state's South West.

Football Australia has announced the women's national team will face Slovenia twice at Perth Rectangular Stadium on June 26 and 29, before hosting Panama at Hands Oval in Bunbury on July 5, and again at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 8.

It is one of a number of historic events taking place at Hands Oval, which will host its first AFL home and away season match on June 8 between West Coast and North Melbourne, as part of a three-year deal for the Kangaroos to host matches at the Bunbury venue.

Panama, ranked 57th in the world, will play the Matildas in Bunbury. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

The ground also held an AFL pre-season clash between the Eagles and North Melbourne earlier this year in front of a sold out crowd of 7,000 people.

The announcement comes off the back of the Matildas riding a wave of popularity after their run to the semifinals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

They have captured the attention of the nation, regularly selling out matches, and smashing TV viewer records during their World Cup campaign.

Hands Oval in Bunbury is normally home to Australian Rules Football in WA's South West. (ABC South West WA: Sam Tomlin)

Women's game booming

Dunsborough Town Football Club president Tash Blefari is an advocate for women's and girls' soccer in the South West.

The club launched a girls-only junior competition early last year in response to a huge increase in interest.

Since 2023, the club has seen a 330 per cent increase in female participation in soccer.

Ms Blefari said the Matildas coming to Bunbury was an incredible opportunity.

"It's a real celebration of the dedication we've seen in female football across the South West," she said.

"This isn't just about hosting a match. It's really great for recognising the countless volunteers, the coaches, all those young girls who have poured their hearts into the game.

The redevelopment included improvements to Hands Oval's turf and facilities. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

" To see the Matildas play right here in Bunbury, it shows them what's possible and certainly will inspire that next generation to dream big. "

Temporary stands are being set up to accommodate more than 10,000 fans. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the fixture came about through a combined approach from Tourism WA and Football Australia.

"We've got the grandstands going up at the moment; there's two finished and two more going up next week," he said.

"[We're] very happy to take these opportunities when they come along, and being able to showcase international sport in the South West region is something to be proud of.

"We initially thought it'd be nice to get some WAFL games; having international football now is amazing."

Jaysen Miguel says the fixture is a proud moment for the city. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

He said work was underway on a series of events surrounding the game to entice visitors to arrive earlier and stay longer.

"We want to make sure people coming down are staying here, spending their money and enjoying their time in the region."

Sport Minister Rita Saffioti said confirmation of four Matildas matches in WA was exciting for soccer enthusiasts in the state.

"We know the game is growing exponentially across the nation and we're seeing in particular more and more girls and women participate in the sport," she said.

"That's why we're so passionate about having more Matildas content inspiring the next generation."

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