A fit and fresh Hollie Palmer says she’s relishing the chance to gain more Liberty A-League minutes against her former side Melbourne City this Thursday night.
The Roar are in Melbourne for an exciting clash with a strong City side who snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win against the run of play when the teams met at Moreton Daily Stadium in January.
Palmer played 30 minutes off the bench in that match while continuing her recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined her during the early weeks of the season.
But having since secured her first start and following Brisbane’s prolonged break between games, the midfielder can’t wait to get stuck into the contest.
“I’m excited,” Palmer said. “It’ll be a tough match. Obviously they’re going pretty well this season but I think we’ve been training well the last couple of weeks.
“It was a bit frustrating initially [with last week’s postponement] but we have had an extra week of preparation. That’s been helpful for us. But we are more excited now to get going this week.
“I think we’re up for a good performance.”
With outside forces having hampered the amount of games she’s been able to play this season, Palmer now hopes to significantly build on her 112 minutes of match action.
“I feel good. I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling fit,” she said.
“Hopefully with a little bit more game time in my legs I’ll gain more match fitness. But overall I’m feeling really good.”
As for coming up against the side with whom she spent last season, the Queenslander said she won’t be getting caught up in any extra sense of rivalry.
“I don’t look at it too much like that,” Palmer said.
“I am friends with some of them but at the end of the day it’s a game and everyone is playing to win.”
Thursday’s match gets underway at 6:45pm Queensland time and can be watched live on Paramount+.
NEXT GAME
Liberty A-League
Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
Thursday, 24 February 2022
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
KO: 6:45pm (QLD)
