Brisbane Roar are usually strong contenders in this league, however they may have their work cut out to reach those heights in 2021-22. With the exit of many current and ex-Matildas (Clare Polkinghorne, Tameka Yallop, Emily Gielnik, Kim Carroll), Roar have recruited in numbers from the local ranks, giving NPL Queensland players a chance in the A-League Women competition.
Ins and Outs
New Roar coach Garrath McPherson has looked to both NPL Queensland and the Queensland Academy of Sport (where he has been coaching) for recruits. Local stars Rie Kitano, Cannon Clough and Lanni McDougall are set to make their A-League Women debuts. NPL QLD top scorer Shea Connors, Mariel Hecher, Georgina Worth, Larissa Crummer, Ayesha Norrie and Meaghan McElligott all have previous experience on the national stage, while Natalie Tathem and Hollie Palmer come back to Brisbane Roar after seasons with Melbourne Victory and City respectively. However, some key players have departed to other A-League clubs and overseas.
Ins
Mia Bailey (Queensland Academy of Sport)
Cannon Clough (Lions FC)
Shea Connors (Lions FC)
Annabel Haffenden (Alamein FC)
Rie Kitano (Souths United)
Lanni McDougall (Moreton Bay United)
Meaghan McElligott (Western Pride)
Ayesha Norrie (Gold Coast United)
Hollie Palmer (Melbourne City)
Jessie Rasschaert (Canberra United)
Natalie Tathem (Melbourne Victory)
In and out
Holly McQueen (Signed but injured in pre-season)
Outs
Morgan Aquino (Perth Glory)
Kim Carroll (Perth Glory)
Olivia Chance (Celtic F.C.)
Isobel Dalton (Lewes LFC)
Sharn Freier (injury)
Emily Gielnik (Aston Villa)
Winonah Heatley (Melbourne City)
Rebekah Horsey (not retained)
Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City)
Billie Murphy (not retained)
Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjö Gymnastik)
Rosie Sutton (not retained)
Kaitlyn Torpey (Melbourne City)
Tameka Yallop (West Ham United)
Staying
Larissa Crummer
Katrina Gorry
Mariel Hecher
Anna Margraf
Jamilla Rankin
Georgina Worth
Strengths
McPherson will have a good knowledge of and relationship with many of the players. He was previously Roar’s assistant coach under Mel Andreatta and is currently coaching at the Queensland Academy of Sport, so he’s in a good position to start building. Worth, Hecher and Jamilla Rankin all had strong seasons in 2020-21 and have the potential to improve further, while Katrina Gorry’s return is also an asset to the team, even if she does take some time to get back to full fitness.
Challenges
This is largely a new squad. Although the players returning to Roar after a break (Tathem, Norrie and Palmer) have plenty of experience between them, they haven’t previously been required to take a leading role in the squad. Stepping up from NPL to the A-League Women’s team will be a challenge for a lot of the newcomers, but Hecher demonstrated last season that you can show class in both leagues.
Key players
Jessie Rasschaert – Defender
Stepping into Clare Polkinghorne’s shoes as a central defender is a big ask – but Rasschaert has experience behind her and a strong NPL season indicates she is up for the challenge. The former Canberra United player has timed her move to Queensland well, as there is a need for her maturity in Brisbane’s backline.
Katrina Gorry – Midfielder
Mini’s return is vital for a young team. Brisbane will be hoping the happiness and confidence she is displaying off the field after the birth of her daughter Harper translates into performances on the field. Gorry will be called upon to lead the inexperienced players, which could place a lot of pressure on her from the first game she plays, but she is more than talented enough to rise to the challenge.
Larissa Crummer – Striker
Crummer is fully capable of goals and won the league’s golden boot in the 2015-16 season. A horrific injury while playing for Newcastle kept her away from the national league for over two years, before she returned to Brisbane Roar late last season and scored within minutes of entering the field during her comeback game. Her 2021 NPL season was strong but she has missed games here and there due to injury. This season will be a big one for Crummer – if she can stay injury free and demonstrate that she’s back in contention for another Golden Boot, she’ll fill the void left by Gielnik’s departure.
One to watch
Rankin was showered with accolades last season, including receiving the Young Footballer of the Year nomination for February. She has since been called up for Matildas squads and has continued to develop her talent. Being the only returning defender for the Roar will be a new experience for her, but also an opportunity to step up and demonstrate what she has learned from playing with the likes of Polkinghorne and Carroll.
Prediction
Last season Brisbane was going to win the league … on paper. They then had a shaky start before coming home strongly to finish second on the ladder. This season they look incredibly inexperienced on paper, but they will likely have the same outcome. Some warm-up is required for the debutantes, however Roar should come good and finish the season as finals contenders.
