news, latest-news, Karly Roestbakken, Canberra United, W-League, FFA

Canberra United will build a squad around Karly Roestbakken after the teenager signed a new W-League deal on Tuesday night. Canberra coach Heather Garriock says Roestbakken's "follow me" leadership qualities will make her one of the side's most important players this season despite still being a newcomer. Roestbakken, 18, made a shock World Cup debut earlier this year after being a late addition to the Matildas squad for the tournament in France. But her rise to the international stage came as no surprise to Garriock, who made Roestbakken a co-captain last season. "Karly Roestbakken is the definition of hard work," Garriock said. "What she's achieved this year is inspirational. She really flourished last season and we got to see what she was all about, then she grew from there. "She's an integral part of Canberra United this season, not only on the field but off it as well. "She was shy as a co-captain last year, but she's going to come back and really make an impact for us." Garriock is starting to build her squad, with several announcements expected in the coming weeks for Canberra's push to return to the finals. The FFA, however, is yet to finalise the draw for the W-League season with kick-off less than two months away. Roestbakken's new deal will make her one of the core players of the new-look side and her World Cup experience and Matildas debut will help her take the next step in her W-League career. "To not only get my [Matildas] debut, but to get it at a World Cup was just unreal," Roestbakken said. "Being in that environment made me mature a little bit, even though I was only in there for a short period of time. MORE CANBERRA SPORT "I was able to get that sense of professionalism and what it takes to play at the highest level of women's football. "I definitely think I can take what I learnt there and bring it back to the W- League." Roestbakken said the Canberra United Academy and Capital Football pathway systems helped her make a smooth transition to the top level. "Those programs have definitely shaped the player I am today," Roestbakken said. "They taught me the necessary skills and how to improve my technique, but it also comes down to yourself and what you want to achieve. "You could be in that environment, but it's how you approach that environment as well, but I definitely think they helped me get to where I am."

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/02a1e6cc-7ea6-4e84-83f5-60b7c9f41d75.jpg/r96_101_800_499_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg