Emily Gielnik in scintilating form for Melbourne Victory, earns call up to Matildas squad

Emily Gielnik has revealed how one tackle 18 months ago cost her both a home World Cup berth and Paris Olympic dream. Now, she’s eyeing minutes for the national team.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Emily Gielnik of Australia reacts after a failed attempt on goal during the International Women's Friendly match between the Australia Matildas and Canada at Suncorp Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

With no permanent coach locked in Emily Gielnik knows now is her best chance of working her way back into the Matildas squad – something she was so hellbent on doing last year she battled through the season with a severe ankle injury.

Gielnik has started this season in fine form – scoring six goals in the opening three games, including a first half hat-trick last weekend.

The striker credits her new found freedom to long overdue ankle surgery she had in the off-season.

Gielnik is finding the back of the net with ease. Picture: Getty Images

With the Paris Olympics then just a year away Gielnik threw everything she had into impressing in club land.

But she just couldn’t hit her peak.

“We weren’t sure why I was getting so much pain and why I couldn’t run properly and why I as limping,” Gielnik said.

“I don’t know how I played on it last year, to be fair.

“It’s been hanging on for dear life for a year and a half. I have a pretty good pain tolerance so I was willing to push through anything.

“I had a couple of injections to get me through the season but when I took time off after the season and didn’t run for six weeks I realised that something must be wrong with it to still be giving me so much pain.”

With no lure of a major tournament Gielnik opted for surgery which revealed that she had ruptured every ligament and tendon in her ankle and it was full of scar tissue.

“It was a disaster down there,” she said.

“It needed a lot of work done. I wouldn’t say it is as good as new but it’s as good as it’s going to get.”

The surgery proved the key.

Her efforts have been noticed with interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni calling Gielnik into the extended 34-woman squad for the upcoming international window.

It is a dream start to Gielnik’s season.

“After the Olympics happened and it was announced that the Asian Cup was going to be based in Australia that really hit home for me since I missed the home World Cup in Australia,” she said.

“Ultimately that is the goal for me, but I’ve been really good this season at trying not to look too far ahead.

“I’m hoping that things will be fair and if I’m performing well and in form then I’ll get an opportunity.”

With the Matildas operating under an interim coach and Football Australia offering little clues as to when a new coach will be named Gielnik said it was a unique time for those looking to catch a break.

“Tom (Sermanni) is a fair guy and he’s obviously had a good look at the Australian League – he knows the players and he’s brought in a lot of new faces,” Gielnik said.

“With this new coach coming in it is essentially a clean slate – there’s obviously a case of players who will keep that shirt for quite some time but there’s always an opportunity to break into the team.”

Emily Gielnik playing for the Matildas in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

Gielnik knows from first hand experience how quickly you can be out of the team.

“It’s important when you’re in there to not be complacent and it’s important when you are out of it to be hungry and have a desire to get back in.”

The forward has one last chance to impress before the Matildas camp starts next week.

Victory are set to play Central Coast Mariners, on Saturday as part of Unite Round.

Central Coast have had a solid start with a win and two draws, Victory sit second on the table with two wins and a loss.

“I see them posing a different challenge compared to who we have been playing recently,” Gielnik said.

“I think they are one of the stronger teams which I like because I think Victory likes to rise to the occasion when we’re up against tough opposition.

“We are nowhere near our best but we have still been able to steal a point or win matches at 60 or 70 per cent capacity of where our team is right now.”

Gielnik said once Victory hit their peak they would certainly challenge for the premiership and championship this season.

Melbourne Victory play Central Coast Mariners on Saturday at 2.15pm at Jubilee Stadium.

Originally published as Emily Gielnik in scintilating form for Melbourne Victory, earns call up to Matildas squad