The new-look Brisbane Roar Women team has taken a fresh approach to this Westfield W-League season, according to defender Brooke Spence.
The new-look Brisbane Roar Women team has taken a fresh approach to this Westfield W-League season, according to defender Brooke Spence.
With coach Belinda Wilson having just six weeks to prepare for last weekend-s season opener against Canberra United, the two-time Westfield W-League Champions also had to contend with the long-term injuries of key players Casey Dumont, Joanne Burgess, Kim Carroll and Lauren Colthorpe.
Influential midfielder Tameka Butt was limited to a 20 minute cameo after a ankle injury while Elise Kellond-Knight is another three weeks away from a return to action, following her torn ACL last year.
With six club debutants on the field, Brisbane managed an entertaining 0-0 draw with United – who went through last season undefeated – and Spence said the tag of underdog was sitting well with the squad.
“That was the biggest thing that a few of the senior players noticed on the weekend – how relaxed the team was from the time we got to the airport to the day of the game,” she said.
“The pressure was on them, not us, and I feel like that-s the way it-s going to be this season.
“Teams we play against might be the teams that can defeat us on paper but it-s a good way to play without that pressure.
“It was decent start to the season but we-d like to hope that next time they come up to Brisbane, we can rattle them a little bit more.”
Even in the short time coach Wilson has had to employ her football philosophy on the Roar side, Spence said bases for further development were already firmly put in place.
With central defender Laura Alleway back from an overseas stint with Lincoln Ladies in the UK in time for this weekend-s away trip to Melbourne Victory and injured duo Kellond-Knight and midfielder Ashley Spina still to return, there is a lot for Roar fans to look forward to.
“We-ve come a long way in a short period of time,” Spence said.
“Some of the things Belinda has implemented in training are just starting to really solidify within the team.
“We-re also missing a couple of players, when they get back it-s really going to strengthen the squad.
“We-ll be fighting for positions and it will bring more depth to our bench as well and I think all of our players in the squad can all make big impacts when they come on.
“All round, I think everyone brings something different to the team and I think that-s what-s so special about our team this year.
“Even though we-ll be touted as the underdogs, we-ve got a lot to prove.”
Brisbane Roar Women travel south this weekend to play Melbourne Victory Women on Saturday, 27 October. Kick-off at Veneto Club, Bulleen is at 4pm local time (3pm Queensland time).
