Rule: I’ve grown as a player and a person

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Australian defender talks about long road to recovery.

Heather Miller

2025-04-10T06:00+01:00

Charlie Rule made her return to action in the recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

Charlie Rule made her first Albion appearance in 15 months in the narrow 2-1 WSL defeat to Manchester City.

The defender has reflected on her difficult time on the sidelines, but is looking forward to making an impact between now and the end of the season.

Charlie, you made an immediate impact as a substitution last Sunday against Manchester City. How was it to be back playing for Albion and netting your first goal for the club?

“It was really nice. I didn't expect the goal, but to get on the pitch was amazing. I've been waiting for that moment for a long time, and it has been a tough period for me, but I think I've definitely grown as a player and a person.”

You spent over a year out injured - how did you deal with that?

“I've had some awesome people around me. This team has definitely pushed me on and wanted me to get back.

“The time away from football has slowed me down and made me more present, I'm taking every moment as I can. When I eventually got back on the pitch, it felt like I never left.

“It was in the hard moments that it felt like forever, it was tough to get back into shape and mentally I think I've gotten better - I've been more composed, present and taking every moment as I can.

“I've just got really good teammates around me; they lift the vibes when you're down. You learn from other players who've been through it as well. I went through a lot of my injury time with Deki (Dejana Stefanovic), she's a good friend.

“She definitely lifted the vibes and showed me how to be a good teammate while being injured and pushed on. I just took each day as it came because my injury wasn't like I did an ACL, and I had a rough guide when I would return.

“Every time I would get close to being back on the pitch, I would have another setback, it was a lot of little injuries and setbacks, and then I thought I was going around in circles. But I learned that if you take it day by day, turn up to training and give it your all, you get to the end of it eventually.

“You have to rebuild yourself and it was probably the toughest moment.”

How did you escape from football when you left the training ground?

“I've had more time to do other things and not fully focused on football. I've picked up random hobbies that allow me to escape from football in a way. I've started painting and getting into photography, and I learned to play the guitar - just random things that I've just tried to get my mind off rehab and football.

“They're the things that I'll carry through the rest of my career, and I'll do when I get home. The things you do at home outside of football are so important.”

You’ve been in Sussex for nearly two years, how are you fining life in England?

Charlie Rule with Sophie Baggaley, Dejana Stefanovic and Maisie Symonds. 📷 by Kyle Hemsley.

“I love living by the sea. I feel at home here, I'm very much at home.

“I feel very lucky to live in Brighton. It's a great city, and the team that we have here at the moment is really good vibes and a happy place to come to.”

We’re on track for the best WSL finish in club history. What’s special about this group of players?

“There's a good balance of competitiveness, but also everyone just wants the best from one another - it's just a fun environment.

“We're here to help each other and go forward. Yeah. It's definitely been good this season and hopefully, we can finish it off well.”