Brisbane Roar Head Coach Belinda Wilson has a plan for dealing with top-of-the-table Perth Glory on Saturday – by not focusing on them at all.
Brisbane Roar Head Coach Belinda Wilson has a plan for dealing with top-of-the-table Perth Glory on Saturday – by not focusing on them at all.
The two-time Westfield W-League champions host the league leaders in a top-of-the-table clash that could determine whether Perth hold on to top spot or if Brisbane leapfrog their western opponents.
A draw between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory match later in the day would mean the Roar would go top with a win over the Glory.
Wilson-s side is coming off two successive 3-2 wins while Saturday marks the third match in eight days for Perth, having lost 2-1 to Canberra United in a midweek catch-up fixture yesterday.
“They have a very experienced attacking line and they-re formidable,” she said.
“We know a lot about them so it-s about making sure our strengths work on the day.
“Through our game, we hope to keep them fairly quiet.”
The Glory has relied on their attacking options up front so far in this Westfield W-League season and for good reason.
The experience of players like Katie Gill, Marianna Tabain and captain Collette McCallum have stood out for Perth in a side that also includes former Roar players Lisa de Vanna and Aivi Luik and former local Brisbane player Rosie Sutton.
But Wilson has players of her own she can count on.
Not only are the six players who missed two Westfield W-League fixtures with national team duties back in the country, but they-re firing as well – Emily Gielnik and captain Clare Polkinghorne on the scoresheet against the Jets last Sunday.
Amy Chapman, the scorer of the opening goal in the 3-2 win, has also been in great form in recent weeks, scoring four goals in five games, making herself the early frontrunner for the club-s Golden Boot award.
“It-s all been down to her,” Wilson said.
“She-s put the commitment in, she-s put the hard work in at training and she-s an example on and off the pitch.
“I can only say that she-s put in the hard work and the results are coming her way.”
Brisbane Roar take on Perth Glory on Saturday, 8 December. Kick-off at Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre is at 10am.
Tickets available at the gate – $5 adults, $2 concessions, U15 and BRFC members free.
