Canberra United bolstered by return of Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken for Adelaide clash

Midfielder Karly Roestbakken is riding the high of helping Australia advance to the final stage of their road to the Tokyo Olympic Games, playing two full matches against Chinese Taipei and Thailand.

The 19-year-old Canberran was rarely tested in defence but barely gave away possession when the ball was at her feet.

She made 97 touches, 69 passes at 97 percent and won four duels in their 6-0 win over Thailand, making a strong case for Olympic selection should the Matildas qualify.

Canberra coach Heather Garriock lauded Roestbakken's performance as 'one of the best matches I've ever seen her play' and says the community should be proud of her rise to the international stage.

"Karly was outstanding, especially in the second game [against Thailand]," Garriock said.

"She's improved from my time three years ago to where she is now. She's not only improved as a player but off the field as well, her technique and tactical awareness is just phenomenal.

"She's only going to grow into a much better player and I'm sure her goal is to get onto that plane to the Olympics, but also cement her spot in the national team.

"We're really proud and as a community we keep saying she's own of our own. We actually haven't produced someone from Canberra who has come through our pathway for many years, not since Caitlin Munoz who is a household name here.

"It's just great to see Karly part of the national team, she's a real fighter and a quality player."

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Roestbakken will now shift her focus to Canberra's final home match of the W-League season against Adelaide United at McKellar Park on Sunday.

Garriock's side will be out for redemption after dropping out of finals contention and conceding 15 unanswered goals in the past four games.

It led to Capital Football's decision to not renew Garriock's contract beyond this season, with the former Matildas player set to coach her final two matches with the club.

The chance to send Garriock out on a high has added extra motivation for club to strive for a fifth place finish, with the mentor saying it's important to finish the season as they started.

"I think the shackles are off and you'll see that this weekend," Garriock said.

"It's just focusing on playing our own game, allowing players the freedom to play and the reason why we fell in love with the game, it's football.

"It's being able to enjoy the moment when we get to McKellar Park, especially with our own shot clock."

Canberra beat Adelaide 2-1 earlier this season thanks to goals from Leena Khamis and Hayley Taylor-Young, with the veteran hoping to find that form and score in front of a home crowd.

"I try to score every game, it was good to get on the scoresheet and it'll be even better this time in front of family and friends," Khamis said.

"I don't care who scores, as long as we get a few and don't concede this time. It'll be great to finish on a high."

W-LEAGUE ROUND 12

Sunday: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 4pm.