Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-League side has received a double boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash against Perth Glory in Perth.
Brisbane Roar-s Westfield W-League side has received a double boost ahead of this weekend-s crucial clash against Perth Glory in Perth.
Hot on the heels of securing a first win for the season, Jeff Hopkin-s squad will welcome Matildas Aivi Luik and Kim Carroll back for duty this weekend after the pair returned from stints with Danish clubs.
The reigning Westfield W-League Champions have opened the season with a mixed bag of results but with three points now secured and the return of key personnel, Hopkins is hopeful of generating some much needed momentum.
“We had two pretty tough games to start the season (against title contenders Sydney and Newcastle),” Hopkins said.
“The pre-season preparation was pretty fragmented with international commitments and the girls playing overseas.
“We understand that and that there are certain parts of our game that are not quite where they should be at this stage of the season.
“We-re trying to put things right week-by-week.”
It-s an ominous warning for other clubs in the league with Brisbane already holding Sydney to a draw away from home and narrowly losing a hotly contested shoot-out against the heavy-recruiting Newcastle – two of the title favourites alongside Brisbane.
The first step will be Saturday-s match against Perth, which will also see a return for goalkeeper Casey Dumont following her one-week suspension for a straight red-card against Newcastle.
“Perth have definitely improved this year,” Hopkins said.
“They are always well organised and tough to break down and they look to have those same qualities this year.
“They have a lively striker from New Zealand in Kete whose grabbed herself a goal or two and is looking quite confident, so if we-re not on our game she may cause us a few problems.
“We-ve also recognised the areas we can break them down and be quite effective so we-ll be having a close look at them but more than that we-ll be focusing on ourselves”
Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 19 November 2011
6PR Stadium, Perth
Local kick-off: 4pm
Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Erika ELZE, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Katarina JUKIC, 7. Sadie LAWRENCE, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (c), 9. Katie HOLTHAM, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 11. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 12. Danielle CALAUTTI, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 14. Emily DUNN, 15. Lara FILOCAMO, 16. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Emma KETE, 20. Kristy TESCHINSKY (gk) *three to be omitted
In: Lisa Marie-Woods (Fortuna Hjorring, Denmark)
Out: None
Unavailable: None
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk), 2.Laura ALLEWAY, 3.Karla REUTER, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5.Brooke SPENCE, 6.Joanne BURGESS, 7. Kim CARROLL, 9.Catherine CANNULI, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12.Ashley SPINA, 13.Tameka BUTT, 14. Vedrana POPOVIC, 15.Sasha MCDONNELL, 16.Michaela HATZIRODAS, 17.Emily GIELNIK, 19.Ellen BEAUMONT, 20.Hoshimi KISHI (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Casey Dumont (returns from suspension), Kim Carroll, Aivi Luik (both return from overseas)
Out: Monique Nelson (omitted)
Unavailable: Elise Kellond-Knight (knee – season)
