To see the Matildas arrive home at Sydney Airport today...
       

"Their achievement at the Asian Cup is just an outstanding one and it's the first piece of silverware we've won in Asia so we're very proud of them," he said before welcoming skipper Melissa Barbieri and the team.

"The Matildas deserve the respect they've earnt. They work with very few resources relative to other teams and I think their commitment really shone through.

"Let's hope it's an omen for what's ahead for us over the next month or so."

Meanwhile, Buckley didn't commit to any funding increase for the women's programme.

He also talked down extending the elite domestic competition the W-League despite describing it as "instrumental" in the success of Australia at the Asian Cup.

Currently the W-League is a sprint over just ten rounds with a two round finals series.

However Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said the league should be expanded over time, adding that without the W-League, the Matildas might never have achieved their Asian Cup success.

"It's been hugely important. More important than I could've ever dreamed of," he said.

"What it's done is given players, other players, opportunities to get into the squad and other players to get back into the squad.

"The W-League has been a critical cornerstone to the success and development of the national team."

Buckley was also quizzed on the progress of the World Cup 2018-2022 bid.

With England reportedly surging back into contention according to some industry analysts, Buckley remained confident that like the Matildas, Australia's bid could still surprise.

"We're still very confident of the position we hold in the field. We always said it'd be a tough contest," he said.

"We're proud of the bid so far and hard work ahead over the next six months but more and more our reputation as a football nation continues to grow and that's helping with the World Cup bid." 

To see the Matildas arrive home at Sydney Airport today...