Brisbane Roar are set to play their final match of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League season at AAMI Park against Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon where they will look for a big three points to finish the season strong.
Melbourne Victory have secured their spot in finals and are in contention to win the Premiership, currently trailing behind Melbourne City by two points.
Roar have not yet broken their winless streak, therefore will be determined for a win to end on a high note against a quality Victory side.
WHAT WAS SAID
Captain Tameka Yallop looks forward to the chance to end the season with a bang this Saturday and reflected on her successful season on a personal level.
“It’s always nice to go out with a win so that’s our first priority”, Yallop said.
“We’ve had a great season altogether so one last time!”
“I’ve played a different role this season, I’ve been involved a lot in the coaching aspects. The changeroom has been excellent and that really boosts my performance as well.”
“We’ve had an amazing squad this year so that’s really helped me.”
LAST TIME WE MET
Brisbane Roar last came up against Melbourne Victory in their 2-0 statement win in Round 9 at Perry Park.
A brilliant brace for Grace Kuilamu secured the three points for Roar as they bounced back to wiinning ways.
After returning from an ankle injury, Kuilamu opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finding the back of the net with a header off a cross bar effort from Emily Pringle.
In the 38th minute, Kuilamu was back in action after pouncing on a deflection off the keeper from a shot by Sharn Freier, to secure her second of the night and lock in the win.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 19
Brisbane wins: 7
Victory wins: 7
Draws: 5
TEAM NEWS
Brisbane Roar has locked in its Ninja A-League squad for Saturday’s final round clash against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Two Young Matildas return to the match day squad with Grace Kuilamu and Isabela Hoyos returning from a shoulder injury and calf injury respectively.
Evdokia Popadinova will miss the final match of the season due to a calf injury, while Laini Freier will also be sidelined due to receiving a red card in Sunday’s 4-4 clash against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Roar will look to finish the season strong with a challenge against a second-placed Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park this Saturday.
Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS, 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 6. Holly MCQUEEN, 7. Momo HAYASHI, 8. Mariel HECHER, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14. Zara KRUGER, 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 22. Ruby CUTHBERT, 23. Isabela HOYOS, 32. Alicia WOODS, 99. Emma GIBBON
Ins: 10. Grace KUILAMU, 23. Isabela HOYOS
Outs: 17. Evdokia POPADINOVA (calf), 19. Laini FREIER (suspension), 34. Anneka LEWERENZ
Unavailable: 4. Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle), 12. Tamar LEVIN (calf)
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women 2024/25 – Round 23: Melbourne Victory vs Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, 19 April
