The home Women's World Cup was meant to be the highlight of Emily Gielnik's career.
Instead, it became one of her lowest points.
Ankle injuries effectively ruled Gielnik out of contention for the Matildas' squad - and instead she watched on as Australia went on a historic run to the semi-finals.
Gielnik, 32, spent some time out of favour, then a calf injury ruled her out of contention for the Paris Olympics.
But now firing with Melbourne Victory - scoring six goals in their opening four games of the A-League Women - Gielnik is back.
"To be honest, the second I pulled up short before the World Cup, there was a burning desire to get this jersey back on," she said.
"Coming back into camp and unfortunately, falling short with another injury right before the Olympics, put a dagger in my heart.
"I'm not gonna lie, it's probably the most difficult time I've ever had in my football career."
Gielnik made her first appearance in more than 800 days against Brazil on Sunday and is likely to lead the line against Taiwan at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
"I knew it was going to be a long road," she said.
"It's really tough to get back into this squad, and it's even tougher to stay, and I'm well aware of that and I'm well aware of the jump that it is from A-League back into this national team environment.
"I've been working tirelessly, and I'm really, really fortunate with my A-League club. I've got a coaching staff that support me, back me, and believe in me 100 per cent to get back to this goal scoring form.
"Then the most important thing over this time was to never lose belief in myself, that I'm good enough to be back here."
With a home Asian Cup in 2026 on the horizon, Gielnik has a new target.
"The second it was announced, I had a fire in my belly," she said.
With Sam Kerr sidelined until at least early next year, Caitlin Foord and Michelle Heyman have been used centrally.
But towering striker/winger Gielnik is ready to lay down her claim to the No.9 role.
"Since Sam's been out, I find myself naturally gravitating towards the No.9, I saw an opportunity there," she said.
"At some stage she will come back in. But for me, it's all about being in good goal scoring form and playing well and assisting, whatever that looks like, to help the team win.
"I'm an old school No.9. I'm definitely different. I'll stick to my strengths.
"So I know I'm a different kind of player to Sam and some other forwards that we have, and so it's all about just recognising that and just staying in my lane.
"I'm hungry. I'm determined - whatever minutes I can get, I'm willing to put my best foot forward for the team."
