When the players' union suggested Football Federation Australia conduct a review into the welfare of Matildas players, they hoped to simply improve workplace standards around games, training loads and recovery periods. Two months later, that review spiralled into the shock sacking of coach Alen Stajcic.

The Professional Footballers Association was concerned by a spike in playing commitments, moving from part-time players to a non-stop calendar of W-League, overseas club and international football, and increasing commercial duties. Following a slump in the Matildas' on-field performances from 2017 to 2018, the FFA was only too happy to begin the review.

Out: The FFA deemed that Alen Stajcic was ultimately responsible for a declining culture. Credit:AAP

After rising to No.4 in the world, the Matildas' tactics became predictable. They mustered just one win in last year's Asian Cup. Individual performances masked pedestrian team displays and a soaring injury rate raised further eyebrows.

A quick glance at the players' workload explained why. Some were now playing between 60 and 70 games a year between club and international fixtures, offered little rest by the Matildas' hierarchy who, according to sources, ignored medical staff about training loads and game schedules.