The Roar Supporters Federation organised a Christmas drive at the game between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory - fans donated stuffed toys. Image supplied.

It was Brisbane’s last home game before Christmas and we were hopeful for a home win to celebrate, against the ominously named Victory. There’s been a lot to be excited about in the Roar’s play as opposed to their results, however Victory has some big names in the team and points on the board.

We got into the Christmas spirit before the game even started thanks to the Roar Supporters Federation’s Christmas drive. Before the teams took to the park, the crowd were invited to throw their gifts of stuffed toys to the volunteers on the field, who were collecting them to donate to needy families this Christmas.

“There’s only one Mini Gorry.
There’s only one Mini Gorry.
Walking along, singing a song,
Walking in a Mini wonderland.”

It was exciting to see Katrina Gorry start the game and provide a lot of energy to the Brisbane midfield, complementing Ayesha Norrie and Mariel Hecher‘s performances. The trio felt like they were linking up quite well in places. Victory was missing Alex Chidiac, who was unable to travel to Brisbane due to border restrictions. Kyra Cooney-Cross made up for that loss and performed at her usual high standard both on and off the ball.

“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away.
This year, to save me from tears,
I’ll give it to Jessie Rasschaert.”

Brisbane kept in the game for 36 minutes before it turned into the W-show. Victory forwards Lynn Williams and Harriet Withers combined for the game’s first and second goals, despite Roar looking threatening for a long time. Missed opportunities were rued until Jessie Raeschaert sent a long ball out to Shea Connors, who ran on to it and scored her and Brisbane’s first goal of the game.

“Scoooo-o-o-o-o-ooore-
-o-o-o-o-oooooore-
-o-o-o-o-ooooore a goal,
we can beat the Victory.”

In the stands, we were singing and willing Brisbane to get the equaliser – who wouldn’t be inspired by the sounds of “Gloria in excelsis Deo”? Instead, it was Victory forward Catherine Zimmerman, assisted by Lynn Williams, who put the next goal away. Victory capitalised on their chances better than Brisbane, although not all was lost for us home supporters as we had a next-to-last-minute goal to celebrate when Larissa Crummer guided the ball past Casey Dumont.

“Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun, it is to score
On this lovely Saturday, hey!”

So we didn’t get the Christmas result we were hoping for, but we did get to celebrate our first goals this season thanks to Shea Connors and Larissa Crummer.

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