Roar Women Coach Belinda Wilson and her players are determined to get back to their strong passing game when they take on Newcastle Jets Women on Sunday at AJ Kelly Field at Kippa-Ring (2pm kick off).
Wilson says her side enjoys playing at the Peninsula Power ground as the top surface is conducive to good football.
The Roar Women are also delighted with the support they always receive whenever they visit the region.
“It’s been fantastic. They’ve supported us 100 per cent and the field is fantastic to play on, plus the fans and the support they bring” Wilson said.
“It’s a pleasure to go there and play.”
The Roar go into the match without their Westfield Matildas (Clare Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry and Tameka Butt), who are in South Korea for a friendly international against Korea Republic.
New signing Kirsty Yallop is also away with the New Zealand Silver Ferns in Brazil.
Roar Women defender Ruth Blackburn is suspended following her red card last weekend against Melbourne City Women.
Despite the absentees, Wilson is confident other leaders in the squad will step up and spearhead the Roar’s efforts against the Jets.
After winning their opening two matches, the Roar Women have lost their last three.
“We have a big game this weekend, we have to look at the whole squad and look at our depth,” Wilson said.
“The likes of Amy Chapman, Emily Gielnik and new leaders such as Alisha Foote, who are senior players, will no doubt help with their leadership qualities.”
Wilson praised the culture within the squad and said there were positives to build on from last weekend’s loss to undefeated table toppers Melbourne City.
“The first 45-50 minutes of the game we matched City,” Wilson said.
“There were moments when we were dominating. And when they were dominating, both in attack and in defence, we kept to our structure and we were very disciplined.
“In terms of what we spoke about in translating that culture onto the pitch, that’s what we did and that’s what was most pleasing about the first 50 minutes of the game.”
Tickets to Sunday’s game between Brisbane Roar Women and Newcastle Jets Women at AJ Kelly Field, George Street, Kippa-Ring, are: Adults $5; Children $2; Family ticket (two adults, two children) $10.
Words by JACOB CHICCO
