The Matildas struggled across the pitch in a disappointing friendly defeat against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Australia's biggest star was denied any celebrations in her 100th game as her protege stepped up in the final third, while Tony Gustavsson's side were also without a few key players and there absence was difficult to ignore.
Though the match itself was frustrating for the green and gold, it was covered well by Network 10 with their broadcast of the game an encouraging sign for the future of women's football in Australia.
Here's what we learned from the Matildas' match against the Republic of Ireland...
Mary Fowler shines in Sam Kerr's milestone match
With all eyes on Sam Kerr in her 100th appearance for the Matildas, it was emerging star Mary Fowler that stole the show.
After impressing at the Tokyo Olympics, the 18-year-old once again highlighted her potential by bagging two goals in an otherwise frustrating match for the Matildas.
While Kerr struggled to make the most of her few opportunities, Fowler had no such problem with the power of her strikes combining with some luck as she continued her good form in front of goal.
Fowler and Kerr did also link up well at times in the final third with the younger of the two showing she's ready to potentially star just as brightly as Kerr in the years to come.
This Mary Fowler strike was just too hot to handle 🔥
🎥: @10FootballAU #IRLAUS #WeAreMatildas #GoMatildas #IRLvAUS pic.twitter.com/4Yk67SLznc
Matildas dearly miss irreplaceable players
She might only be 21, but Ellie Carpenter has quickly become a key part of this Matildas side and she was missed dearly on Wednesday morning.
In the full-back's absense, Ireland were able to find large pockets of space in attack - particularly down the Matildas' right flank where Carpenter is usually positioned.
Carpenter's pace and strength makes her a massive asset in the Matildas' backline with her absence hard to miss against Ireland.
Veteran attackers Hayley Raso and Kyah Simon were both also missing for this match with their experience in the final third something the team certainly could have used at times.
Channel 10 nails Matildas coverage
Following Channel Seven's mixed football broadcasts two months ago, Network 10 made no such mistakes on their Matildas debut.
Having recently shown Socceroos and FFA Cup action, the new home of Australian football demonstrated the women's game appears to be in good hands.
Simon Hill and former Matilda Amy Chapman commentated the match perfectly with the duo bouncing off each other well and Chapman providing great insights.
At half-time and full-time, an enthusiastic Niav Owens hosted an engaging panel compromising of Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Sarah Walsh as Channel 10 started their Matildas coverage on the right foot.
It's set to be a big few years for women's football in Australia with Network 10's coverage of the new W-League season hopefully only going to give the game a growing audience.