by Ben Gilby (2/5/25)
Above: Charli Grant in action for the Matildas against Korea Republic in the April international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
It’s been a challenging season for both Charli Grant and Tottenham Hotspur. At the time of writing, the North London side has only won five WSL games and are battling to hold off Leicester City and Aston Villa to ensure they finish in mid-table rather than just above the relegation zone.
After last season’s run to the FA Cup Final, a memorable first win over Arsenal, and a sixth-place finish, hopes were high that the club would push on towards challenging for Champions League places this time round.
Grant had settled in and was establishing herself as a regular member of the Spurs squad, either starting or coming off the bench to good effect. Opportunities for the South Australian this season have not been as plentiful, as the team more widely failed to build on last year’s promising advances.
Reflecting on the campaign, Grant said: “We are definitely disappointed by the outcome of our season so far. It is not up to the standards we set for ourselves and as a club. We have a couple more games to go, which we really want to use to prove to ourselves that we are capable.
“I think we all have the right intentions and great ideas on the pitch, but we have struggled to all be on the same page. If we can improve that connection and be consistently ruthless in our defensive actions, I think we can get some really good results in our last few games.
“It’s been a very difficult season. Personally, it has been difficult sitting on the sides waiting for an opportunity, and as a team, we have struggled to get consistent results, which has taken a toll on our confidence. I am so proud of the girls for sticking it out and feeling very grateful for our fans, who no matter what will always show up for us.”
Whilst Grant has found it hard not to get as many minutes as she would have wished, she reveals she’s tried to use the time in positive ways, striving to enhance her game further in a bid to persuade head coach Robert Vilahamn she is worthy of a place in his match-day squad.
“When you’re not getting much game time, you really assess your game and how to take it to the next level. I look at what I can improve and look at the other players around me and see how I can learn off them and add it to my own game. It has given me the time to work on these skills after training, so when I do get the opportunity, I feel prepared to step up.”
Whilst this season has been a frustrating one, Grant feels that the move to England has greatly enhanced her game, which has certainly had an impact on what she can offer the Australian national team.
Highlighting what the WSL has brought to her qualities, the 23-year-old said, “It has definitely been a step up. I love how fast-paced the game is and how competitive the league is.
“You have no room to make any errors; if you do, the world-class players will capitalise on it. This has helped me improve my decision-making and forced me to be more composed on the ball. The league is a lot more physical, so I think this has helped bring out this side of my game even more. I love being aggressive and showing my physical traits.”
Both those aspects of Grant’s qualities were on show, along with searing pace and excellent reading of the play, in her performances for the Matildas in the last international window. The South Australian played an important role in both games against Korea Republic, and was greatly enthusiastic about the vibe in those matches, both on and off the pitch.
“It was a positive camp for the team in preparation for the Asian Cup. Those two wins really helped us build some confidence. I’ve loved playing under Tommy Sermanni. He’s been a breath of fresh air, giving us the freedom to play to our strengths.”
The encouragement gained from being around Matildas teammates has been an important part of keeping a positive frame of mind at Spurs this season, and the defender takes great strength from having Hayley Raso and Clare Hunt alongside her every day.
“I’ve loved having both Ras and Clare around, having that Aussie connection makes you feel more at home. They both offer so much experience and knowledge to the team, and it’s been so nice to work and learn off them on a daily basis.”
As the defender’s career has developed, so have the options that she offers both club and country, with an ability to perform strongly at both right and left back. This skill has been hugely beneficial for the Australian national team in the past, and has the option to be so in club football as well.
In terms of whether she has any preference for a position to play in, Grant flashed that trademark big smile.
“It honestly depends on the day! I love both sides; I think each side allows me to show my strengths in different ways. At the end of the day, I would do anything to play and represent my club or country. It’s an absolute honour every time I step out onto the pitch.”
Whilst you can take the woman out of South Australia, you certainly can’t take the South Australian out of the woman. Grant’s early days at Adelaide United in the A-League Women were what put her on the map.
Famously a tight-knit club, the defender is fiercely proud to have represented the Reds and is absolutely delighted at their third-place finish this season, which has seen them make the Semi-Finals for the first time in their history.
“I am so happy for the team. Ever since I left the club, I’ve always supported them from afar. I watch where I can, but it is difficult due to the time difference and clashing with my training schedule. But I will always keep track of the results!
“I’ve got some really close friends that play for the club, and it’s amazing to see them doing so well and making Adelaide proud. I’m definitely supporting them in the finals, they’re looking in really good form.”
There’s also lots ahead on the immediate schedule for the 23-year-old, both in North London and for the Australian national team.
“My focus is on the last few games with Spurs and trying to get the best results we can. There is also an upcoming camp in Australia with the national team, so I will just be working hard to be in the best form possible to give myself the best possible chance to be selected.”
Grant will be going flat out to play a role in Tottenham’s remaining campaign. Once given a chance, you just know in true Charli Grant style, she will grab it and run tenaciously.
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