The versatility of Karly Roestbakken has opened the door for the Canberra United star to become the youngest player on the Matildas' Olympic side.
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The 18-year-old fullback has been named in Ante Milicic's 20-strong squad for the Matildas' Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers to be played in China next month.
The Canberra defender is the youngest player in the squad, with Milicic leaning on the experience of established stars to book their ticket to Tokyo.
It comes after she made a shock debut at the Women's World Cup debut last year, with the thrice capped having been a late addition to the Australian side.
There are only five players in the squad with less than 30 caps, including Roestbakken and substitute goalkeepers Mackenzie Arnold and Teagan Micah.
Milicic and selectors have kept a close eye on the W-League and cited Roestbakken's ability to play multiple positions in the back third for her inclusion in the small squad.
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"I've been impressed with [Karly]. I brought her into the World Cup squad and I think she's really grown from there," Milicic said.
"She had a difficult time with the Young Matildas in Thailand, we know that. She's had a really big six months but for her age, she's actually very mature.
"She has played in a few different positions with Canberra in the W-League already this season and [with a smaller squad size] she provides good cover. She can play right back, left back and even centre back.
"We're shorter in certain positions but she's one that can cover a few. I've got no hesitation bringing Karly in."
The 18-year-old fullback will join her teammates in Sydney for a week-long camp from January 20 before departing for the tournament in Wuhan.
It means she'll be unavailable for United's round-11 clash with Melbourne Victory on Australia Day.
Australia will play against China, Chinese Taipei and Thailand at the Five Rings Sports Centre and need to finish either first or second in their group to advance to the final qualification phase.
"This squad was the hardest to name because of the numbers," Milicic said.
"It always goes down to form, fitness and the players who I feel will do the best job for that type of opponent. That's why I've gone with this team.
"It's getting players in a [shorter] squad who I know can back up, not only physically but mentally. Who can be from home for that long and maintain high standards. All those things are important for us if we are to be successful in the first phase."
If Australia progress to the play-offs, they'll face Korea Republic, Vietnam, or Myanmar in a home-and-away series.
The Matildas, being in the top group, would earn the right to host the first match on Friday, March 6.
TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFIERS
Matildas squad: Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr (C), Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Jenna McCormick, Teagan Micah (GK), Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Karly Roestbakken, Kyah Simon, Emily van Egmond, Sarah Willacy (GK), Lydia Williams (GK), Tameka Yallop.