Australian football’s hierarchy must catch the European wave or watch it roll on without them
![Matildas European migration exciting but fanning W-League anxiety](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c183df52a7668ac78984b847d210d4bf78aad164/0_36_2446_1468/master/2446.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=be77693511280bdb6a58b106e5e515c1)
In the 24 hours between the preliminary squad release and the starting XI announcement for Brisbane Roar’s game against
Sydney FC on Thursday night, one W-League player’s career took a sudden and dramatic detour.
Hayley Raso, the Matildas winger adored around the world for her dynamic playing style, remarkable comeback from a spinal injury and characteristic hair ribbon, was scratched from Brisbane’s squad hours before they took to the field. Raso’s omission stoked earlier rumours that she had a contract with Women’s Super League club Everton FC – a signing confirmed a few days later.