With nearly half the season gone in the W-League, now is a perfect time to assess the good and bad of each club.
Semester Summary: There are multiple ways to view the first half of Brisbane Roar’s season, but after two impressive wins in their last two matches, the Roar are shaping up nicely.
The Brisbane outfit remain undefeated so far in the 2020/21 season, but failed to fire in the early stages, with four draws in their opening four fixtures.
They were only able to manage two goals in the four matches, but their impressive defensive displays ensured they took a point away from each match.
Despite concerns over their ability to find the back of the net, a 6-0 thumping of Melbourne Victory and a gutsy 3-2 win against Melbourne City has eased concerns and set the side up for a strong back-half of the season.
Areas of excellence: The Roar remain undefeated this season, off the back of their reliable defensive unit, ability to keep the ball and chances created.
The Brisbane defensive unit, led by Clare Polkinghorne, has been successful in only conceding four goals in six fixtures.
Georgina Worth has stepped up as the Roar’s number one goalkeeper, with three clean sheets and 20 saves so far this campaign.
In every game this season, the Roar have had more possession than their opponents and have made more passes than any other W-League team.
Mariel Hecher has created 16 chances, and along with Emily Gielnik’s 14, they continue to gift the Brisbane side with scoring opportunities.
Areas in need of improvement: Despite recent results, the Roar need to start scoring consistently.
Do not be fooled by their 6-0 win over Melbourne Victory, they have not been able to find the back of the net enough.
While creating chances, they have not been able to capitalise on the work of both Hecher and Gielnik.
They are going to have to score goals regularly if they want to challenge top side Sydney FC.
Top student: Gielnik has been instrumental in the Roar’s undefeated start to the season.
The Matilda has scored four goals in six starts and can overtake Canberra’s Michelle Heyman as leading goal scorer before the season’s end if her form remains.
Gielnik has had the most shots of anyone in the W-League and has created 14 chances, which will be crucial to Brisbane finishing strong.
Class clown: Tameka Yallop has not had the impact on the score sheet she would have hoped for leading into this campaign.
Despite looking dangerous the Matilda has only managed a goal in four games this season, as she, along with her teammates, have struggled to convert chances.
With this Roar side needing to score consistently heading into the pointy end of the season, Yallop needs to lead the way and find the back of the net.
Grade: B+
Outlook: The sky is the limit for the Roar if they can continue building on their confidence.
Despite a slow start to the season, where they struggled to convert scoring opportunities, the Roar’s recent run of form will have their supporters extremely optimistic.
They have now proven they are capable of anything and are a serious contender coming into the pointy end of the season.
Their biggest challenge will come against Sydney FC this Sunday, a true test to see if they can match it with the best.
Feature image credit: Kyoko Kurihara
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