2019-20 marked coach Jake Goodship’s maiden voyage into W-League waters at the helm of the Roar, but it was a sea of troubled waters as Queensland’s only club finished one place short of the top four.
*I promise that’s all the nautical puns*
While there was glimpses of the side’s potential – in particular a thumping 4-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers – ultimately a lack of consistency and scoring depth saw the team miss the finals for the first time since 2016-17.
Ins and Outs
In recent weeks Goodship has built a strong squad, despite the loss of key imports and Matildas from last season. The retained core of Claire Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry and Tameka Yallop provides a strong foundation compared to the quality of players lost by last season’s finalists (Sydney FC excluded). The additions of experienced duo Kim Carroll and Emily Gielnik places the Roar in good stead for a return to the postseason.
While the new set of imports has big shoes to fill, Mariel Hecher and Billie Murphy have impressed in the local NPL, and Olivia Chance adds lengthy experience from the English football system.
Unfortunately, Roar fans will not be able to see youngsters Hollie Palmer and Indiah-Paige Riley continue their development after breakout performances last season – Riley has moved to Danish heavyweights Fortuna Hjørring, while Palmer was enticed south by Melbourne City.
Ins:
- Morgan Aquino (Perth Glory/Northern Redbacks)
- Kim Carroll (Perth Glory/Northern Redbacks)
- Olivia Chance (Sheffield United)
- Sharn Freier (The Gap FC)
- Emily Gielnik (Vittsjö GIK)
- Mariel Hecher (Lions FC)
- Rebekah Horsey (Canberra United/Mitchelton FC)
- Leticia McKenna (Perth Glory/Football West NTC)
- Billie Murphy (Capalaba)
- Rosie Sutton (Melb. Victory/Eastern Suburbs)
Outs:
- Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham)
- Rylee Baisden (NC Courage)
- Leah Davidson (Melb. City)
- Hollie Palmer (Melb. City)
- Celeste Boureille (Fleury 91)
- Elise Kellond-Knight (ACL Injury)
- Carson Pickett (Orlando Pride)
- Hayley Raso (Everton)
- Indiah-Paige Riley (Fortuna Hjørring)
- Natalie Tathem (Melb. Victory)
- Allira Toby (Sydney FC)
Staying:
- Isobel Dalton
- Katrina Gorry
- Winonah Heatley
- Anna Margraf
- Clare Polkinghorne
- Jamilla Rankin
- Kaitlyn Torpey
- Georgina Worth
- Tameka Yallop
Strengths
By signing Gielnik and retaining Polkinghorne, Gorry and Yallop, the Roar are the only club to boast multiple current Matildas in their squad this season. With 327 international caps between them, this success in recruitment lays a perfect base on which a title-challenging team can be built.
Challenges
Only Anna Margraf remains from last season’s attacking options, creating some questions about how Goodship will bring together his new additions to construct a title-challenging offence. Matilda Emily Gielnik is a seemingly natural focal point, but much of her success at both club and international level has been while playing out wide on a front three. This leaves Brazilian Mariel Hecher as the player most likely to occupy the central striker position.
Key players
Striker – Mariel Hecher
Three seasons in the NPL Queensland with Lions FC has yielded 55 goals and back-to-back championships for Hecher, who was also handed the captain’s armband in the Roar’s pre-season friendly against the NPL All-Stars two weeks ago.
With the likes of Gorry and Yallop playing behind her, Hecher should have no shortage of service, the question will be how she can step up to the level of W-League.
Goalkeeper – Georgina Worth
Having spent four seasons waiting in the wings – the past three behind Mackenzie Arnold – the 23-year-old now has a golden opportunity to make the starting goalkeeper position her own, despite the arrival of Morgan Aquino from Perth Glory. Worth has enjoyed a strong season in the local NPL with Capalaba, winning the Goalkeeper of the Year Award for the league.
Midfielder – Katrina Gorry
Fresh from a stint in Norway with Avaldsnes, Gorry’s form has seen a resurgence in the past 12 months after being dropped from the list of contracted Matildas by previous coach Ante Millicic. Back at full fitness and pulling the strings in midfield with confidence, Gorry has the chance to create a strong first impression on new coach Tony Gustavsson with a strong W-League season.
One to watch
Following the departures of Riley and Palmer, 18-year-old midfielder Leticia McKenna has joined the club after two seasons in Perth, racking up 25 appearances. With two experienced mentors in Gorry and Yallop to learn from, McKenna could continue her promising development if given the appropriate opportunities by Goodship. She joins the side after competing in the inaugural Western Australia NPL competition with Football West’s U19s NTC side.
Prediction
Currently on paper there are few squads that match the overall strength and depth of Brisbane, the main exception being 2019-20 Grand Finalists Sydney FC. As long as Goodship can keep his Matildas representatives fit and firing with a strong supporting cast, a title challenge is certainly within reach.
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