Karly Roestbakken intends to continue the legacy of Commonwealth Bank Matildas legend Laura Brock, having been gifted Brock's famous number 5 jersey, following a lengthy stint on the sidelines
The retirement of such an experienced international like Laura Brock recently has left a big hole to fill, especially after an incredibly successful Olympics campaign in Tokyo.
However, Brock herself was quick to pass the baton on to her eventual successor, with 20-year-old Karly Roestbakken gifted the illustrious Number 5 Commonwealth Bank Matildas jersey. The decision was fitting, with Roestbakken and Brock having both played a substantial part in the other's recent international success.
"She was one of my biggest supporters when I got called into the squad at the 2019 World Cup and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend and teammate to look up to", Roestbakken said.
Aww Lozzy [Laura Brock]... she is honestly one of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met.
It was an injury to Laura Brock in 2019 that led to the selection of the then 18-year-old rookie Roestbakken from Canberra United for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in France. Roestbakken has never looked back, leaving her hometown for Norwegian football, further developing into a key cog for her national side.
Ironically perhaps, it was a number of injuries to Roestbakken in early 2021 that allowed Brock to reclaim her starting position, becoming a crucial contributor at the Tokyo Olympics under coach Gustavsson.
However, seeing the professionalism of Brock during her injuries, inspired her young successor to follow the same mindset.
"In that situation I think it’s pretty easy to be so disappointed with everything that happened, leading to missing out on a tournament. For her to be supporting me and just cheering me on and honestly being with me the whole way is huge and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from her.
"I’ve got very, very big shoes to fill, I will tell you that. She’s done that jersey proud and I will try my best to make sure that keeps on happening."
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Australian supporters last saw a glimpse of the 20-year-old in action during the friendly against Germany in April. Due to the limited availability of many of the side's stars, Roestakken's versatility both in defence and going forward made the Norwegian based Aussie pivotal to the Commonwealth Bank Matildas' chances against arguably Europe's best side.
Despite fighting off injury prior to the Germany match, Roestbakken kept her measure early against the former World Champions, before an awkward challenge midway through the first half led to the defender being assisted off the field clutching the back of her heel. Scans later revealed that Roestbakken required surgery on a broken foot, eventually missing up to six months of football, including a 'dream' Olympics debut.
"Honestly it’s been one of the toughest periods in my career so far. It’s been a long and slow journey and no injury is easy or fun especially when it takes you away from the thing you love doing the most."
Missing out on a major tournament was the most difficult part. Having to miss out on something I have been working towards for so long, only pushed me even harder.
"I had the mindset of, 'okay Karly, these things happen, now it’s time to work and come back better than ever'. It made me hungrier and desperate to get back on the pitch."
Returning to her childhood home of Canberra for rehab, spending the recovery process with family and friends reminded the capital city's favourite daughter, of what and who she played her football for.
Karly learnt the mental side of a serious injury from her mentor Laura Brock and understands the importance of having the right people around and being in the right environment.
"I couldn’t have done it without them, they were there for me every step of the way, pushing me and just always putting a smile on my face.
"I had the best support group around me with my family and friends. It was a long time since I had seen them, so to go home and have a decent amount of time with them while doing rehab was the best decision."
Now at the latter stages of her recovery, the 20-year-old will be keen to regain regular minutes for Norwegian side LSK Kvinner, push for European competition and potential silverware.
Roestbakken's injury has not wavered her ambitions for club and country, however, with the defender outlining what a successful return to football would look like.
"First it’s getting back on the pitch, playing games and getting match fit. Then it would be working my way back into the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and be selected for tournaments coming up and hopefully lifting some trophies.
"I also want to help my team in the last few games of the season here to cement a champions league spot for next year."
One goal can already be ticked off, with September's friendly against the Republic of Ireland seeing Roestbakken reunited with her Australian teammates and national team coach Tony Gustavsson.
The Canberran was there to witness Gustavsson's first matches in charge and the immediate success of the side under the Swede came of absolutely little surprise to Roestbakken.
Tony knows what he is doing and is leading the team in a great direction.
"Everyone, even if they don’t follow football can see that Tony is having a massive impact on the squad already, they only had six games to prepare for the Olympics, and went out and made it to a bronze medal match, beating a side as big as Great Britain, with very little preparation."
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The LSK Kvinner star will hope to be in prime fitness once the team finally returns home in late October for two friendlies against Brazil in Parramatta. The chance to be a part of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas homecoming party is one that Roestbakken and her teammates have waited a long time for.
"It’s gonna be amazing, to play on your home soil with friends and family cheering you on is a whole other feeling. Everyone is just super excited to be able to go home."