A little over four weeks remain until Brisbane Roar Women kick-off their Westfield W-League title defence and coach Jeff Hopkins is putting the final touches to his squad.
Ahead of the opening fixture – a grand final rematch with Canberra United – on October 3, Hopkins has been preparing his charges for the season kick-off and said he is happy with his squad-s readiness.
“We-ve had one training game so far, against the under-14 boys State team which we won 4-0,” Hopkins said.
“The team played really well and are looking good ahead of the W-League season”.
The Roar welcome back the core of their Premiership and Championship-winning squad, with a few new faces added to the mix.
Ex-Matildas defender Pam Bignold (nee Grant) (The Gap), midfielders Aivi Luik (FC Indiana) and Leah Curtis (The Gap) and striker Emily Gielnik (Redlands United) will all be looking to make their mark in Roar colours this season.
Hopkins has also recruited Matildas midfielder Jo Burgess who has made the switch from Sydney FC in the off-season.
In a blow to the current champions, midfielder Lauren Colthorpe broke her leg in training last week but Hopkins says the news is not as bad as it could be.
“It was a clean break so we-re hoping to have her back in light training soon, ready for round one”.
However, the good news for Roar fans is that key striker Jenna Tristram, who missed the majority of last season after injuring her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in round two, is expected to return for the Roar Women.
“Jenna is making a great recovery,” Hopkins said.
“She-s looking fit and sharp, and we-re hoping to have her back involved in the early stages of the season.”
Hopkins has two vacancies remaining in his playing roster and has not yet announced a second ‘keeper.
The former Welsh international revealed he had three players vying for the position.
Lara Boon, Kate Stewart and Alycia Catchpole have all been training with the squad in an effort to secure the second spot alongside Casey Dumont.
Brisbane Roar-s opening game will take place on Saturday 3 October at Ballymore Stadium, kicking off at 3pm.
The Roar will play all of their 2009 Westfield W-League home fixtures at Ballymore Stadium.
Brisbane Roar Squad: 1. Casey Dumont (gk), 2. Kate McShea, 3. Karla Reuter, 4. Clare Polkinghorne, 5. Brooke Spence, 6. Jo Burgess, 7. Pam Bignold, 8. Elise Kellond-Knight, 9. Jenna Tristram, 10. Lana Harch, 11. Aivi Luik, 12. Stephanie Latham, 13. Tameka Butt, 15. Leah Curtis, 16. Lauren Colthorpe, 17. Emily Gielnik, 18. Courtney Beutel, 19. Ellen Beaumont.
