Brisbane Roar will be determined for three points against Wellington Phoenix as they return to Perry Park this Sunday for Round 14 of the Ninja A-League.
The sixth-placed Wellington side will not make it easy for Brisbane to return to the winner’s circle, especially with the Phoenix getting the best of Roar in Round 5.
WHAT WAS SAID
Head Coach, Alex Smith is looking forward to returning to Perry Park this Sunday as his side looks to get their season back on track with a win against Wellington Phoenix.
“The only thing you can do is to continue to work hard,” Smith said.
“Really looking forward to being back at home on the weekend, it was a long trip away to Perth. There’s going to be some players getting a chance on the weekend. It’s up to them to take it.”
Grace Kuilamu is pleased with getting regular minutes as striker, scoring four goals so far this season and looks to help Roar bounce back at home this weekend.
“After the last few games, the girls have hit a reset,” Kuilamu said.
“After a year out with my ACL, it’s just great to be back on the field. The goals [are] pretty great as well, getting to help the team out where I can.”
LAST TIME WE MET
In their last meeting in windy Wellington conditions, Roar suffered a 2-1 defeat away from home.
It was in the 34th minute that Longo opened her season account for the Phoenix after capitalising on a mistake in the Roar backline.
Emily Pringle responded just before the break with her second goal for the club in consecutive games after a stunning run and finish equalised the score line.
Longo scored her second of the afternoon with a long-range strike after beating Roar defence to seal the victory for the hosts.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 6
Brisbane wins: 2
Wellington wins: 2
Draws: 2
TEAM NEWS
Brisbane Roar’s Ninja A-League side return to Perry Park this Sunday as they hope to bounce back with a victory against Wellington Phoenix at home.
After sustaining an ankle injury in last weekend’s loss to Perth Glory, Sharn Freier will be sidelined for Sunday’s match.
Forwards Tanaye Morris and Danelle Tan have been named in the extended squad this week, with both players making their debuts in Round 7 and Round 10 respectively.
Defender Holly McQueen will miss the clash against the Phoenix after receiving a direct red card in Perth on Sunday.
Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS, 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 8. Mariel HECHER, 9. Danelle TAN, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 12. Tamar Levin 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14. Zara KRUGER, 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 17. Evdokia POPADINOVA, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 19. Laini FREIER, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 23. Isabella Hoyos 32. Alicia WOODS, 33. Olivia SEKANY, 99. Emma GIBBON
Ins: 10. Danelle TAN, 12. Tamar LEVIIN, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 99. Emma GIBBON
Outs: 6. Holly MCQUEEN (suspension) 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle)
Unavailable: 4. Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 6. Holly MCQUEEN (suspension), 7. Momo HAYASHI (ankle), 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle), 22. Ruby CUTHBERT (hamstring)
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women 2024/25 – Round 14: Brisbane Roar vs Wellington Phoenix
Perry Park, Bowen Hills
Sunday, 2 February (5:00pm AEST KO)
