As we approach the halfway mark of the A-League Women’s season, let’s see how Brisbane Roar are faring.
Semester summary
After having a phenomenal 2020/21 campaign, Brisbane Roar started their campaign with hopes of bringing the championship home this season.
They won all but one game last season, and with Garrath McPherson appointed as head coach following three years as their assistant, the scene was set for Brisbane to go all the way.
With that in mind, to say that the Roar have been disappointing this season would be an understatement.
After registering a total of zero points in their opening three fixtures, the Roar are sitting in eighth place with four losses, one draw, and only a solitary win.
That win may have been against hot finalist contenders Melbourne Victory but hopes of a more positive season were quickly cancelled after a 1-0 loss to lowly Western Sydney Wanderers.
On a more positive note, Brisbane Roar’s finals hopes are not yet dead and buried with only five points between them and fourth place Adelaide United with eight games left to play. Let’s hope COVID-19 doesn’t ruin it.
Areas of excellence
Persistence.
Despite the disappointing season, the Roar have displayed a ‘never die’ attitude in all their games. When analysing how their matches play out and looking at their performances in those games, Brisbane always seem to be the dominating side.
In every game that they’ve played so far, Brisbane have had more shots and more shots on target. Also, the Roar sit in first place for the most ‘big chances created’ in the A-League Women with 13.
Areas in need of improvement
Finishing.
So, if they’re creating the most chances and taking so many shots, what does that say about the Roars weaknesses?
Well, it seems as though their capitalising on those chances seems to be their Achilles’ heel. Brisbane Roar sit in sixth place for total goals scored and sit in second place for the most ‘big chances missed’ with ten.
They’re ability to capitalise on goal scoring opportunities must be sharpened.
Top student
Forward Mariel Hechers has been troublesome for opponent teams’ defenders.
Hechers has stepped up to become a pivotal role in McPherson’s side and proves to be a player that most of Brisbane’s tactics revolve around.
Hechers has registered one assist for the Roar, and leads the league with the most ‘big chances created’.
Needs improvement
Shea Connors continues to display moments of brilliance in every game Brisbane Roar play.
Similarly, to Hechers, Connors is a key player in McPherson’s side and without her, the Roar would struggle for goals, as she currently leads the side as the leading goalscorer with three.
However, Connors leads the league with the most ‘big chances missed’. Knowing her talent and quality, being able to capitalise on those big chances will benefit Connors and the Roar significantly.
Grade
D
Outlook
The Roar have been disappointing so far, but the positives seem to be piling up. They look dominating, strong, and threatening. It’s just a shame that the games haven’t gone their way. An improvement in finishing and capitalising might be the key to propel them back into finals hopes.
Featured image credit: Kyoko Kurihara
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