Rosebank footballer Jamilla Rankin has hit the headlines this week after scoring a double for the Brisbane Roar against table topping Sydney FC last Sunday.

The 17 years old has played nine matches in the W-League for the Brisbane Roar and has shown coaching staff that she deserves her permanent role in the squad.

The Brisbane Roar side defeated ladder leaders Sydney FC 4-1 on Sunday to hand the Sydney side their first defeat of the season.

Rankin scored in the 16th minute to give the Roar a 2-1 lead before scoring the final goal in the 82nd minute to put the match beyond doubt for the Brisbane side.

Jamilla Rankin up against the Perth Glory in the W-League. Photo: Football Queensland

The Roar have not suffered defeat in eight matches this season and have had four wins and four draws.

Rankin played her junior football for Eureka FC and played in a number of junior representative sides for before moving to the Liverpool Football Academy, allowing her the opportunity to play against strong opposition from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

While at the Liverpool Academy, Jamilla was granted to opportunity to become the first person from the Academy to train with the Liverpool FC Women’s U/15 squad in December 2017.

Rankin, normally a midfielder or defender stepped up to score two goals against Sydney FC. Photo: matildas.com

Scott Collis, former General Manager of the Liverpool Football Academy, was proud of Jamilla's efforts, "Jamilla is a wonderful role model for young sports people. At the Academy she stood out as a rare talent, but it was her commitment, tenacity and bravery that really marked her as special."

Current Goonellabah Hornets Coach and ex-Liverpool Academy Coach Michael Primiano was full of praise for Rankin, "Absolute talented player which hasn't surprised me with where she has gone. A very delightful young lady to talk to on the pitch and off and loves connecting with her younger fans from the Academy that’s why I went to see her play up the coast as my daughter adored her when she was at the academy."

Jamilla attended Trinity Catholic College and was a member of the Open Girls team from Year 7 and remained at the College until Year 9, before she moved to Cavendish Road High School in Brisbane as part of the Queensland Academy of Sport Program.

Jamilla Rankin (Number 8) celebrates a goal with the Junior Matildas. Photo: matildas.com

Rankin was selected in the U/16 Junior Matildas team in 2019, playing several practice matches throughout the Pacific, before attending the AFC U/16 Championships in Thailand. Rankin played four matches in the tournament, with the team finishing fourth, equalling their best ever finish at the Championships.

The Roar take on the Perth Glory on Sunday at 7:00pm