Brisbane Roar Ninja A-League Women head coach Johnathan Clemente says his side’s frustration after last weekend is exactly what he wants to see, as the Roar chase their first points of the season against Melbourne Victory at Gioca Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Roar went down 1-0 to Sydney FC last Saturday, with Faith Webber’s 66th-minute goal separating the sides after Brisbane had held out under heavy pressure for over an hour. It leaves Clemente’s side without a point from three matches, and he made no attempt to dress it up.
“We were poor on the weekend,” he said. “It wasn’t to our standards. There’s a frustration in the group that we need to improve, which I’m excited to do on Saturday.”
Defence first, now the ball
There was a clear positive from the Sydney match. After conceding seven goals across the opening two rounds, the Roar were far tighter at the back, and Clemente said that’s something the group can be proud of.
The next step is keeping the ball. Brisbane spent long periods without possession against Sydney, and Clemente wants his side more aggressive and braver in possession so they aren’t defending for as long. That has been the main focus at training this week.
Hali Long has been central to the improvement. The Philippines captain has added experience and a competitive edge to the back line, and made a goal-saving tackle on the line in the first half against Sydney.
“Hali Long’s a proper defender,” Clemente said. “She puts her head on everything.”
Behind Long and centre-back partner Rosie Curtis, goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln has been one of the standouts of the season so far. She made six saves last weekend, and Clemente said the confidence she gives the players in front of her has been a big factor.
Glimpses going forward
There were moments in attack against Sydney that showed what Clemente is building towards, with one move of three or four quick forward passes standing out.
“That’s the team we want to be,” he said. “We just need to see that for more sustained attacks.”
A reunion with a mentor
Saturday has added meaning for Clemente, who spent four seasons at Victory as assistant to Jeff Hopkins before taking the Roar job. Hopkins is also part of Brisbane’s own history as the club’s first women’s coach, leading the Roar to the 2008/09 premiership and championship double and the 2011 championship.
Clemente said the match is less about his old club and more about the man in the opposite dugout, describing Hopkins as a fantastic mentor and one of his closest friends in football.
“Jeff’s probably the best person in football, especially in the A-League Women,” he said. “Hopefully we get our first points against Jeff.”
Time to compete
Clemente said the squad can’t settle for the idea that things are progressing nicely. Results now have to follow.
“We need to start getting points. That’s the reality,” he said. “We need to be more competitive in our duels and our one-v-ones. If we do that, it will give us a good chance of beating Victory.”
He also called on Roar fans to turn out for what he described as a meeting of two historic women’s clubs, and said his side owes them a more exciting performance with the ball.
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women 2026/27, Matchweek 4: Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory
Gioca Stadium, Newmarket
Saturday, 7 November (4pm AEST KO)
Tickets: brisbaneroar.flicket.io
