From a month in a moon boot to a week in isolation, Hollie Palmer could hardly have asked for a more challenging start to her Liberty A-League campaign.
Forces beyond her control have conspired against the Brisbane Roar midfielder since she injured her ankle while playing for Capalaba FC towards the end of the last NPL Queensland season.
The ill-timed setback robbed Palmer of a proper pre-season and that frustration was compounded when COVID-19 protocols meant she had to spend a week indoors despite feeling the best she had in months.
And so when the 20-year-old finally did return to the pitch in last weekend’s win over Wellington Phoenix, it was a moment of pure joy.
“I was so happy,” Palmer said. “I couldn’t stop smiling I was so happy. It was extra special having a team behind me that was just as excited for me to be back as I was.
“It’s been the longest couple of months of my life.
“I hate it when I know I can’t do anything from the sideline. Seeing everyone out there having fun, you do miss it. You just want to play.”
Palmer’s brief appearance off the bench was her first for the Roar in almost two years, having spent last season at Melbourne City.
The Queenslander will get the chance to wear the orange again at Moreton Daily Stadium this Sunday as the Roar, who take on Newcastle Jets, look to make it three wins in four.
Palmer will hope to replicate the good fortune she brought to the team last weekend, having entered the match mere seconds before Brisbane seized a decisive 3-2 lead.
“Maybe it’s a bit of luck I brought on to the field,” she joked. “I’ll claim it! With two home games in a row, hopefully I can get some more time under my belt and make a bit of an impact on the team.
“We’re growing every single week and we just have to continue to work hard and have the belief that we are good enough to continue winning games.
“I think we can finish the season off strong if we keep going how we are.”
NEXT GAME
Liberty A-League
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, 23 January 2022
Moreton Daily Stadium
KO: 3:05pm (QLD)
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
