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Topic:Matildas
Cortnee Vine has been one of the faces of the Matildas, but the Australian star is taking time away from the game to look after her mental health. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer )
Australian FIFA Women's World Cup heroine Cortnee Vine is taking a break from football to focus on her mental health.
On Friday, Vine was once again a notable absentee in interim coach Tom Sermanni's extended squad for the Matildas' upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan after making herself unavailable for selection.
The dashing winger was a star of the A-League Women competition but catapulted into the national spotlight when she scored the winning spot-kick in Australia's marathon penalty shootout win over France in the Cup quarter-final.
Vine, 26, has missed multiple recent camps for personal reasons, while also attempting to settle into life at NWSL club North Carolina Courage, who she joined from Sydney FC in the off-season.
"I'm sure many people can appreciate that my life has dramatically changed over the past two years," Vine said in a statement provided by her management.
"Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, l've discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.
"Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance.
"For now, I need to focus on taking care of myself, which is why I am taking some time off.
"I truly appreciate everyone's support and concern, and I'm confident I'll return stronger than ever."
Seven uncapped players and eight with 10 caps or less have been selected in the 36-strong squad for two games against Brazil, in Queensland on November 28 and December 1, and two against Taiwan in Victoria on December 4 and 7.
The first game, in Brisbane, is retiring veteran Clare Polkinghorne's celebration match, while Emily van Egmond is due to earn her 150th cap.
Tottenham winger Hayley Raso is back from a hamstring injury while goalkeeper Teagan Micah returns from an ankle issue. Chloe Logarzo, Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac have all been recalled.
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Not all players will assemble for the entire camp.
Sermanni hopes to field teams with a mixture of established stars and less experienced counterparts.
"There'll be players playing in the initial two games and then there'll be some going back, some staying on, and then players coming in for the second two games," Sermanni said.
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Sam Kerr won't be involved as she continues her recovery from an ACL tear.
"Things are getting a little bit better in rehab, but in reality it's still probably a 12-month injury," Sermanni said.
Kaitlyn Torpey (hamstring) is unavailable. Isabel Gomez, Leah Davidson, Natasha Prior and Hana Lowry are among those rewarded with maiden call-ups.
Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison isn't included as her eligibility switch from the United States hasn't gone through, with Football Australia waiting on FIFA.
Sermanni again stressed he was prepared to be in the interim role for as long as needed as FA's hunt for a permanent full-time coach continues.
*denotes maiden call-up
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