Brisbane Roar captain Ayesha Norrie says spirits are high and fitness levels strong as her team returns to the pitch this Saturday for a blockbuster Liberty A-League clash with Melbourne City.
Norrie and her team-mates had their winning momentum put on hold last weekend when COVID cases forced the postponement of a planned home fixture.
While the squad isn’t yet at full capacity, those that have been able to train haven’t held back over the fortnight leading into what shapes as a highly entertaining match at Moreton Daily Stadium.
“Obviously we didn’t have a game last week,” Norrie said.
“That was disappointing but we’ve come in this week with the same mindset. Morale is really good within the team and everyone is really focusing on Saturday, and being clinical in front of goal again.
“We got smashed on the training pitch last Saturday considering we didn’t have a game. We’ve kept up our training load. We’ve prepared for a game like we did last week.
“With COVID, it is what it is. We cop it on the chin and focus on the next day. The group is good like that, everyone has the same mindset about what’s good for the team.
“With the depth we have everyone is ready to give it 100 per cent.”
Saturday’s opponents are coming off a 3-0 defeat to Sydney FC but remain one of the competition’s most dangerous sides, having strung together several wins prior to last weekend’s loss.
They also feature a number of familiar faces including Winonah Heatley, Kaitlyn Torpey and Leticia McKenna, who were all part of the Roar setup last season.
“They’re young and full of energy,” Norrie said. “There are a few girls that were at Roar that have moved there.
“We have a little insight on them, but we’re focusing on our team play and how we’re looking to play on Saturday.
“We’re used to coming up against some familiar faces. It won’t affect the way we want to perform as a team. It’s familiar faces, but we are used to that.
“They’re a tough side but we just have to focus on how we want to play, how we want to press, and how we want to attack.”
Liberty A-League Women
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City
Saturday, 29 January 2022
Moreton Daily Stadium
KO: 3:50pm (QLD)
CLICK HERE to grab your double-header tickets!
