Charli Grant’s 2021 has been the stuff dreams are made of. Since I last spoke to the Matilda in June, what had already been an amazing year has ramped up to a new level with national caps and a Damallsvenskan league title.
“I have moments when I look back and I have to pinch myself!” admits Grant. “My nine-year-old self would be so proud. To be playing alongside my idols who I’ve grown up watching is an absolute privilege and dream come true.”
We started our catch-up by discussing life at Rosengård in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan.
“Settling in was a very smooth transition. The club is incredible and so professional. All the girls and staff were all so welcoming and immediately made me feel at home. In Sweden, everyone speaks English very well, making it so much easier to settle in. Malmö is a very small city, so it’s so easy to get everywhere on a bike. It was a bit of a change cooking and cleaning for myself but I’m enjoying the independence and being able to go out of my comfort zone to try new things.”
Whilst the welcome was warm, the move did not come without its challenges on the pitch.
“When I first stepped into the Rosengård environment, it was a struggle to keep up with the pace of the play so I have had to improve in my speed of decision-making and my technique has improved with this. I think the Damallsvenskan is definitely more technical and has a faster pace than the W-League. BK Häcken was our closest and toughest competition but most teams have put a good fight for sure. It has not been an easy year for us despite winning the league.
“Despite not getting much game time, it’s given me an opportunity to really practice my technique and learn from the players playing my position. I’ve become more resilient and confident as a person to get the most out of every situation.”
The 2021 Swedish top-flight season saw two South Australian players finish in the top two as Grant’s former Adelaide United teammate Dylan Holmes was plying her trade at BK Häcken. There were also several Aussies at other clubs, as well as Teagan Micah joining Grant at Rosengård, and these factors were a great help.
“Dylan was a great support system for me over this season and I’m so grateful we have been able to share this football journey together. It was also nice to have Teagan join Rosengard. She has been a great addition to the team and has also been a great support to me.
“Unfortunately I wasn’t able to catch up with Dylan and the rest of the Aussies as much as I would’ve liked due to everyone’s schedule, but it’s just comforting knowing they are in the same time zone as myself.”
In terms of Grant’s immediate plans for club football, she has recently re-signed with Rosengård for another year.
“I feel as though I have developed immensely in this environment and I think it is the best environment for me to continue this development. I want to use this year to break into the starting 11.”
Since June, Grant has been a regular in Matildas squads, including the team that went to the Tokyo Olympics. “I’m so grateful for Tony and the staff believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Meeting all the girls for the first time was very nerve-racking as I have looked up to all of them for a long time, but they made me feel so welcome and so part of the team. Due to my training with Rosengård, I found the training sessions a smooth transition and I have loved every moment since.
“In Tokyo, we stayed in the Olympic village for the first couple of days and that was incredible to see and meet all the different athletes. The likes of Patty Mills, Ash Barty, Emma McKeon were all there. To be a part of the all training sessions with the Matildas during the Olympics and to see all the hard work and tactics we had worked on being paid off in the games was an amazing feeling. I’m so proud of the team for what we achieved. I am so privileged and honoured to have been a part of it.”
Those Olympic experiences were then added to in October when Grant was finally able to return to Australia and play for the Matildas in Parramatta against Brazil.
“That was one of the best feelings I have ever had and a moment I will cherish forever, I get goosebumps even thinking about it. I used to be one of those fans in the crowd and to now be a player is an absolute dream come true. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible.
“Tony Gustavsson brings so much energy and passion to the team but also addresses tactics in a very clear way so that everyone is on the same page. He gives everyone so much confidence and enables everyone to play to their strengths. I’m so grateful for him giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team, he has really helped me to believe in myself and play with freedom. I feel as though I play my best football with him.”
With 2021 having been such an incredible year for her, Grant ended our catch-up by identifying what she wants to achieve in 2022.
“It has been an amazing year and I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along this journey so far. Next year with the Matildas my goals include being selected in the Asian Cup squad, winning the Asian Cup, and to push for a starting position within the squad. With Rosengård, I also want to cement a spot in the starting line-up, qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and win the Damallsvenskan again.”
