Queensland’s Westfield W-League representative is building strongly ahead of what is sure to be an extremely competitive 11th edition which kicks off in just over two weeks.
Following a stint in the NWSL with Houston Dash, inspirational Captain Clare Polkinghorne returns to the Roar and is joined by Matildas attacking duo Katrina Gorry and Hayley Raso.
“There’s something special about this club and I always look forward to coming back home and being a part of this talented group,” 75-time Westfield Matilda Katrina Gorry said after signing on last week.
Mel Andreatta’s squad will again have an international feel with Japanese World Cup winner Yuki Nagasato sure to entertain alongside Orlando Pride duo Carson Pickett and Chioma Ubogago.
In news that will please football fans in Brisbane, Portland Thorns midfield general and current BRFC Women’s Player of the Year, Celeste Boureille, will again don orange for a second consecutive season.
“Our squad, I believe, has a great balance of international flavour, young upcoming stars, local heroes and Matildas representation,” Andreatta said.
“We have genuine firepower in the attacking third which will be a massive bonus for us during our upcoming campaign.”
Following stints at Adelaide United & Canberra United, versatile defender Jenna McCormick joins the Roar Women and will bring with her over 60 games of top-level experiences which will prove vital for the upcoming campaign.
There will be a number of familiar faces in the Premiership-winning Roar Women lineup in 2018/19 with a talented group of local heroes signing on.
Having developed their talents at local Queensland Clubs, Abbey Lloyd, Summer O’Brien, Natalie Tathem, Allira Toby and Kaitlyn Torpey will be once again part of the squad for Season 11 and will be determined to help secure more silverware.
“Not only do we want to build on last season’s success, but we are focused on improving and developing as a group,” Brisbane’s Head Coach added.
Heading north is Young Matildas shot-stopper Annie Grove who joins Brisbane from the Emerging Jets program in Newcastle. The 17-year-old keeper is a welcome addition to the Roar family and is definitely one to watch.
After securing the NPLW QLD Championship recently, three members of the successful BRFC/NTC side have been rewarded with a first professional contract.
Young guns Leah Davidson, Hollie Palmer and Dani Ward will be all hoping to secure valuable game time in 2018/19.
The Roar Women begin their campaign on home turf in a blockbuster Round 1 contest against Perth Glory on Sunday, October 28 (KO 1:30pm). Get your tickets HERE.
“We can’t wait to step out onto Suncorp Stadium in Round 1 against Perth Glory in front of our family, friends and our passionate supporters,” Andreatta concluded.
“See you soon Brisbane!”
Current BRFC 2018/19 Westfield W-League squad
Goalkeepers: Annie GROVE
Defenders: Jenna MCCORMICK, Carson PICKETT, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Summer O’BRIEN, Natalie TATHEM, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Dani WARD
Midfielders: Celeste BOUREILLE, Leah DAVIDSON, Katrina GORRY, Yuki NAGASATO
Attackers: Abbey LLOYD, Hollie PALMER, Hayley RASO, Allira TOBY, Chioma UBOGAGU
