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Rosemary Van Bruinessen

Rose is one of the first Matildas and is a legend of the game

Soccer
1979 – 1984
  • Status: Pending
    1979

    Rose debuted in the inaugural Matildas game in Sydney

  • Status: Pending
    1983

    Captained Australia in the first Oceania Cup 

  • Status: Pending

    Played 25 international games for Australia

 

In the backline, she exhibited class and poise and had outstanding composure on the ball. She had the ability to read the play and possessed great anticipation.

Beginnings

Rose was born in Bankstown and married Craig who was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Rose began her football career for Crest Soccer Club, which merged with the Georges Hall Giants, and is now known as the Bankstown Sport Strikers FC.

Achievements

Rose debuted in the inaugural Matilda's game in Sydney 1979 where Australia played New Zealand in a Test series. She also played in the return series in New Zealand in 1980, scoring a goal to level the match. She played New Zealand again in 1981 and captained Australia in the first Oceania Cup in 1983 in New Caledonia, followed by a tour to China and Taiwan in 1984. She played 25 internationals for Australia. Rose was MVP during the Oceanic Cup vs New Zealand. She was 17 years old when first selected for the Matildas and played 25 games for her country. From competing in New Zealand, Rose has 14 caps.

Post Representation

When Rose finished her international career, she came back to play at St Christopher's FC and also coached her daughter at Panania Diggers FC at Kelso South. Rose has also assisted with the under 12s FNSW squad and also the NSW institute of Sport when her daughter was playing.