Joe Palatsides has been appointed Assistant Coach of the CommBank Matildas, as part of a strategic refresh of the team’s technical staff led by Head Coach Joe Montemurro.
Palatsides brings a wealth of experience in elite coaching and player development, having previously served as Technical Director at Football Victoria and as Assistant Coach at Melbourne City FC.
Known for his tactical acumen and ability to nurture emerging talent, his appointment adds significant depth to the Matildas’ preparations ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
Palatsides joins a revamped coaching team alongside newly appointed Set Piece Coach Leanne Hall, Physical Performance Coach Emanuele Chiappero, and Video Analyst James Slaveski. The additions follow the recent recruitment of Emily Husband as Assistant Coach and form part of Football Australia’s commitment to high-performance excellence.
“Each of our new staff members bring specific expertise that will complement our current group and elevate the holistic preparation of our players,” Montemurro said.
“I look forward to working closely with Emily, Joe, Leanne, Emanuele and James as we continue to build for an exciting cycle of tournaments.”
In his new role, Palatsides will help shape match strategy, oversee player development, and contribute to the team’s tactical direction as it enters a critical phase leading into the 2026 Asian Cup and beyond.
His appointment also reflects Football Australia’s desire to invest in domestic coaching expertise and integrate it into the senior national setup.
“Change is a natural part of high-performance environments,” Gary Moretti, Head of National Teams, said.
The changes will take effect ahead of the upcoming June/July FIFA Women’s International Window in Western Australia.
