Canberra in contention to host Matildas qualifying match for Tokyo Games

Australia's qualifying journey to the Tokyo Olympic Games could come to an end in Canberra as part of a new qualifying tournament.

Should the Matildas progress to the final round in the Asian qualifiers then they'll host one match as part of a two-legged play-off.

The Matildas, being in the top group, would earn the right to host the first match on Friday, March 6.

Canberra is in contention to host the Olympic qualifier due to an existing deal struck between the ACT Government, Football Federation Australia and Capital Football.

FFA official are working towards securing a date for the Matildas to play in the capital as a part of a $24.5 million deal to build a new centre of excellence and secure internationals in the ACT.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

They had initially explored the possibility of hosting a Matildas game at Canberra Stadium on November 12.

But those plans were scuttled when motorbike group the Crusty Demons secured the venue for their 'Rise of the Demons' world tour, denying Canberra Stadium staff a chance to prepare the pitch in time.

The potential fixture on March 6 would not clash with Super Rugby, with the ACT Brumbies scheduled to play against Japan Sunwolves in Osaka two days later. The NRL are yet to release the Canberra Raiders' 2020 fixtures.

The Matildas have not played in Canberra since they hosted New Zealand at the AIS track in 2013.

Their return to the capital will likely feature Canberra United star Karly Roestbakken, who made a shock World Cup debut in France.

But her rise to the international stage came as no surprise to Canberra coach Heather Garriock, who says it would be amazing to see Roestbakken play for Australia in her home city.

"It would be amazing - not just for Karly but for everyone in Canberra to firstly acknowledge the achievement of going through the Canberra pathway," Garriock said.

"She's gone through the Canberra United Academy program and she's a great role model for any footballer that wants to achieve Matildas or Socceroos status, she shows it's possible in Canberra."

The Matildas advanced directly to the third qualification round for the Tokyo Olympics, which will be held in China and South Korea in February.

Garriock has backed Roestbakken to build on her World Cup experience and eventually break into the Matildas' starting XI.

"She's definitely a player that is going to be massively considered for the Olympic qualifiers but also the Tokyo Games because she has that versatility," Garriock said.

"The most important thing for her is to be able to consistently be in the Matildas team and then breaking into their starting XI."