Brisbane Roar captain Ayesha Norrie has given an insight into the hurdles that made last round’s win in Melbourne all the more special and how her immense pride continues to grow throughout a challenging week.
Norrie’s maiden goal in orange put the icing on Brisbane’s brilliant come-from-behind 4-2 win at AAMI Park and confirmed the club’s well-earned first victory of the Liberty A-League season.
The influential midfielder’s composed finish was the final milestone in a match filled with memorable moments as the Roar rallied from two goals down to defeat Melbourne Victory, the reigning champions.
With COVID protocols impacting the matchday squad and faced with precautionary safety measures at the venue, it was an exceptional effort from an improving side.
“It was amazing,” Norrie said. “We had a couple of debuts, Nat coming back with the assist, Mini scoring a goal, and my first goal for the club, which was something special for me.
“It’s been a long time coming for a win. I’m just glad we had the comeback. The girls did really well to make that happen.
“I actually spoke to the girls after the game about how proud I was of them to come out with that performance and get a win.
“Our preparation completely changed. We had to get changed into our warm-up kit at the hotel. Our change rooms and our team talk had to move outside into the car park.
“Everything was thrown at us and to come away with the win, I was just super proud.”
Further tests were required after the match and have continued on a regular basis throughout this week, with preparation for Sunday’s home game against Western Sydney Wanderers proving a delicate process.
The challenges have contributed to just how much Norrie is looking forward to getting out on the pitch at Moreton Daily Stadium this Sunday.
“Obviously we had to be tested in Melbourne to come back, and then we had to get a PCR straight away,” the 24-year-old explained.
“We’ve had more testing this week and have more coming, but everyone is trying to do the right thing and go about it the right way. Everyone is isolating as much as they can and staying out of the public.
“We’re preparing as best as we can for the game on Sunday considering all the circumstances. We’ve done video, we’ve done tactical sessions on that. The whole staff has been working hard.
“Everyone is supporting each other and getting in good spirits.
“I’m proud of the girls for how they’ve handled it and keep handling all these obstacles that come our way.”
Feature image: Capture One
Liberty A-League Round 6
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday, 9 January 2022
Moreton Daily Stadium
KO: 3:05pm
Gate 2 opens at 2:20pm
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