Still uncertain whether they will have a new coach for their next international games, the Matildas will head into 2025 adamant they have "stabilised" and are at least back on track.
Australia closed out 2024 with a 6-0 win over Taiwan in Geelong on Saturday night, in their sixth friendly since interim coach Tom Sermanni took the reins.
A permanent coach will likely be in place when the Matildas return to action at February's SheBelieves Cup against Japan, US and Colombia.
But Sermanni could yet still be in charge.
"Just as long as I'm required, I'll be here," he said.
"So if this is the last game, then so be it. I'll just then become a supporter in the stand.
"If the FA (Football Australia) want me to continue, or need me to continue, I will continue."
While all external focus will turn to FA's dragged-out hunt for a new mentor, the players aren't interested in talking about their next coach.
“I’m not one to look too far ahead,” said veteran midfielder Tameka Yallop, who'd starred against Taiwan.
“We just maintain and focus on where we are and keep up a high standard within the playing group."
There are six international windows before the home 2026 Asian Cup.
"You've still got the main focus of 2026, but for us, we would also like to improve our rankings as well," Yallop said of a team currently No.15 in the world.
"Every game is really important to us and just gelling and increasing our depth and consistency."
Sermanni feels they are well-placed to do that after entering a Matildas' environment shattered by a group-stage Olympics exit.
"When I went into the team in Switzerland for the first couple of team meetings, I thought I was turning up at a funeral, if I'm being honest," he said.
"And what I've seen now is, I think the team's come back to life again and there's a bit more noise, a bit more enthusiasm.
"So for me, that's really important, and hopefully that will continue."
Results have been mixed under Sermanni: a frustrating 1-1 draw with Switzerland, a brilliant 2-1 away win over Germany, two losses to Brazil and two wins over Thailand, but things have steadied.
"If you look at the on-the-field efforts and performances in the last game, even going back to the Germany game, I think that shows a team that's cohesive, a team that's back on track again, and a team that enjoys being together and playing together," Sermanni said.
The 70-year-old Scottish coach Sermanni has also integrated promising talents like Sharn Freier, Winonah Heatley and Tash Prior.
"We've unearthed a few players that I think have that capability to step up and play at international level," he said.
Unfortunately, skipper Sam Kerr (ACL) almost certainly won't be involved in February's tournament.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said the striker won't play until February or March.
“Everyone feels for Sam and we are all right there supporting her with her recovery and it’s important for her to be 100 per cent before she comes back," Yallop said.
“We want her for the long term, not the short term. We are supporting her through it, and she remains a major part of the team.”
