Impetus 71’s Ben Gilby speaks to Matildas defender Charli Grant about a sensational year for both club and country, and the next chapter in her career…(2/1/24).
Above: Charli Grant in action for Australia against Chinese Taipei in the Olympic Qualifiers in Perth during November. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
A place in the World Cup squad that finished fourth in their home tournament. A regular member of the Vittsjö team that recently finished a sensational Damallsvenskan season and an exciting new chapter in her club career about to be revealed. It’s been another superb year for Charli Grant.
In our seventh major chat over the past three years, the South Australian defender provided an in-depth insight into yet another stunning year. Each time our interviews start, the phrase “at the end of our last discussion, we mentioned how could things possibly top what happened last season…yet they did.” They certainly did once more this time as well!
Grant earned her spot in the Matildas’ World Cup squad after a succession of high-quality performances at right-back whilst Ellie Carpenter was injured. Her time with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö saw her also play regularly at left-back – and she was then utilised in that position at times for the national side upon Carpenter’s return.
Being part of the World Cup squad and experiencing the home tournament was something that still brings a huge smile to the defender’s face when she reflects on how the Matildas set their entire country alight.
“The response was incredible and still feels very surreal,” Grant said. “When we were in our own bubble I think we forgot about the impact we were having on the country because we were so focused on succeeding the game plan. It wasn’t until we would step outside the hotel and would have people asking for autographs or just even say ‘thank you’ for what we were doing for the country that we were exposed to the response of the country. It was amazing to see and be a part of.
“But it was also important we didn’t get distracted and continued to focus on one game at a time. The set-up at our hotels really helped us to feel normalised and wind down with TVs, PlayStations, and ping pong tables being easily accessible. Meal times were also generally flexible which allowed us to have our normal individual routines. It was nice to be exposed to that frenzy occasionally because it motivated us more to perform to continue to make the nation proud.”
Grant’s short playing experience of the World Cup as a substitute against Canada in the final group game was eventful – and reminiscing about it brought back her trademark huge grin.
“It was a dream come true. I remember I was buzzing with energy stepping out on the pitch – not only because I was having my World Cup debut but Steph (Catley) had also just secured us the win for us to progress through to the round of 16 and I had my family, partner, and friends in the stands.
“I managed to turn the ball over to the opposition, win it back, and concuss myself all in the two minutes I was on. It was definitely an eventful two minutes but it will be a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Whether I got those minutes or not, it was an absolute honour to be a part of this team and part of the legacy we have created for future generations.”
One of my strongest memories of the World Cup is seeing close-ups of Grant on the big screen in stadiums or on TV in fits of giggles sat next to Sam Kerr on the bench. So what exactly was going on?
“Ah! Sam is always up for a laugh and likes to keep things light-hearted, so she was probably just making a joke about me. It was important we always stayed positive on the bench so we provided energy for the players on the pitch,” Grant revealed.
The South Australian’s year hasn’t just had highlights at international level – her Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö finished the campaign in fifth place – an incredible achievement for a side based in a town with a population of just 1,655, with their stadium being able to fit in virtually everyone who lives there.
“We’re really proud of our result in coming fifth. We finished highest within the teams in the Skåne region, which the club has never achieved before. I think our biggest challenges were the points we lost in games that could’ve gone either way. As the table was so close this year, these points could have secured us a position in the top three. A huge positive though, was our response to these hard results. That’s a huge credit to the culture and mentality built within this club to always have each other’s back and bounce back in the face of adversity.
“Personally, a huge positive for me was getting consistent 90-minute games throughout the season. I’m very grateful for my coach trusting me to play regularly and he always gave me the license to attack forward which has helped develop my decision-making in the final third. I think always the main challenge of playing overseas is being away from home. It makes it easier to have a team that feels like a second family to me, especially with the likes of Katrina Gorry and Clara Markstedt at the club too.”
Grant’s stellar 2023 came under the stewardship of Swedish head coaches both at club and country. The defender outlined how they have brought out the best in her.
“They’ve all had an intelligent view of the game,” the South Australian explained. “They articulate the finer details and tactics of the game plan in an easy way to understand, adding a higher tactical awareness of football to my game. I think the most important attribute that Tony, Jens, and Ulf have added to my game is the confidence to trust my instincts.”
As our latest chat came towards its conclusion, we turned our focus to the future. First, to what is required now to ensure that Australian women’s football takes advantage of the massive surge in popularity since the World Cup. Grant emphasised the view that: “I think investment in national youth teams and state programs both in the players and staff is vital to bridge the gap and take the women’s game in Australia to the next level.”
Finally – what is next for the young defender. At the end of the Damallsvenskan season, Grant announced she was leaving Vittsjö for a new challenge, and one that has seen feverish speculation about a move to the WSL, with Grant linked to four sides in England with strong rumours that it’s just a matter of days before she is announced as a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Whilst her soon-to-be-revealed new club will offer Grant excitement and major opportunities, the South Australian just wants to take stock before embarking on this new challenge.
“It’s been a huge year, so just I’m wanting to spend as much time with my partner, family, and friends before I venture off to my next move. It was really hard to leave Vittsjö as the club became a second family to me, but I feel like I’m ready for a new chapter.”
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