The Matildas finished second in their group in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, before beating South American powerhouse Brazil in the round of 16.
The quarter-finals proved their undoing however, as a late Mana Iwabuchi goal sent Japan through to the semi-finals at the Matildas' expense.
The World Game has taken a look at the starting side of that afternoon in Edmonton, and we tell you where you can find the Matildas stars during the W-League season.
Lydia Williams
Matildas No 1 Williams, who has won 46 caps for Australia, will be back at Canberra United for the start of the season.
Williams had spells overseas with Western New York Flash, and she played every match bar the first at the World Cup, when Melissa Barbieri deputised.
Laura Alleway
Defender Alleway, formerly of Brisbane Roar, is part of Melbourne City's inaugural W-League squad for the upcoming season.
Alleway played for Roar for 2010 to 2015, punctuated by a brief spell in England with Lincoln Ladies.
Steph Catley
Last month, Catley became the headline signing for the new Melbourne City squad, after a spell playing in the US for the Portland Thorns.
Catley played in all five games at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and is also the cover star of FIFA 16, which features women's football for the first time.
Lisa De Vanna
Matildas skipper De Vanna is Melbourne City's first ever W-League captain, after making the move from arch-rival Melbourne Victory.
De Vanna, who has also played for Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and a host of overseas clubs, has 37 Matildas goals in 104 appearances.
Alanna Kennedy
Kennedy, an elegant midfielder, is returning to Sydney FC for this season's W-League campaign.
It will be her third stint at the club after spells in sky blue in 2010 and 2012. Kennedy has also played for Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, and last season for Perth Glory.
Katrina Gorry
Midfielder Gorry, who was a stand-out for the Matildas at the tournament in Canada, will back up again for Brisbane Roar.
Gorry is the reigning Asian player of the year and won the 2014 Natiuonal Women's Soccer League in the US for FC Kansas City.
The subs
Melissa Barbieri - The Matildas legend will play for Melbourne Victory after retiring from international duty.
Mackenzie Arnold - Third-choice keeper Arnold is at Perth Glory, after moving from Western Sydney Wanderers before last season.
Michelle Heyman - Serial goalscorer Heyman will don the green of powerhouse Canberra United for a sixth successive season. Heyman, who averages more than a goal every other game, is one of the competition's most lethal strikers.
Larissa Crummer - 19-year-old attacker Crummer has joined Melbourne City's inaugural W-League squad after breaking through at Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC.
Ashleigh Sykes - Forward Sykes, who grew up in Dubbo, will play once more for Canberra United, which she has played for since 2008.
Leena Khamis - Livewire striker Khamis, who has scored five Matildas goals in 25 appearances, will play again for Sydney FC this season.
Tameka Butt - Midfielder Butt, who has played overseas in the US, Germany, and Japan, will join forces with Gorry in the heart of the Brisbane Roar midfield.
Teresa Polias - Polias, who made her W-League debut for Central Coast Mariners in 2008, will play for Sydney FC for a sixth successive season.
Hayley Raso - 21-year-old Raso began her senior career at Canberra United and won the W-League in 2011-2012. Two seasons at Brisbane Roar brought seven goals, and she will line up for Melbourne Victory in 2015-2016.
Nicola Bolger - Midfielder Bolger, who was an unused substitute against Japan will play for Sydney FC. Bolger first played for the Sky Blues in 2008, before a season at the Newcastle Jets in 2011-2012.
OVERSEAS - Elise Kellond-Knight, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr
