Karly Roestbakken is no stranger to the Liberty A-League and the Australian defender is back in the competition via Melbourne City – a move she is relishing.
Roestbakken debuted for Canberra United as a 15-year-old, though the seven-time Matilda has been playing in Norway’s top tier via LSK Kvinner since 2020.
The 21-year-old returned to Canberra on loan ahead of the 2021-22 A-League Women season, but she is back in Australia on a permanent basis with her eyes on next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Roestbakken joins a City team that finished second in the regular-season standings last term and fell to eventual champions Melbourne Victory in the Preliminary Final.
“I think everyone in this league knows Melbourne City’s reputation and they know it’s a club with a high level of professionalism and it seemed like a great environment to be a part of,” Roestbakken said.
“City had a great season last year and I heard so many positive things about the playing group and watching from the outside, they all just looked like they were having the best time which showed on the pitch as well.
“I thought Melbourne City would be the perfect place for me to get back into a full-time football environment where I’m training every day and having access to the best facilities as well as playing a gold style of football.
“I’m really excited to work with all the players and especially Rado as I’ve been chatting with him for a long time now.”
City will kick-off their ALW campaign away to Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium on November 20.
“Despite being just 21, Karly is a player with a wealth of experience both in our league at home and in Europe,” said City head coach Rado Vidosic.
“Having been a former Junior Matildas captain and also a co-captain previously with Canberra, she’ll bring plenty of leadership to our squad this season.
“We see her playing a key role for us and look forward to her joining the group for pre-season training very soon.”
