Skipper Clare Polkinghorne believes Brisbane’s scorching temperatures and her side’s miserly defence will help Roar in Sunday’s Westfield W-League semi-final against Melbourne City.
In a blockbuster match-up between this season’s Premiers and the winners of the last two Westfield W-League titles, Roar host City at Perry Park.
The two clubs have history in Westfield W-League finals, with their last post-season clash going all the way to a penalty shootout back in 2016.
Predicted sweltering conditions in Brisbane has seen the match pushed back an hour but regardless of the temperature, the Roar skipper is confident her side can progress to the decider.
“We had a very solid session [on Saturday morning], we’re all fit and healthy and ready for [the game],” Polkinghorne said.
“The hotter the better for us. If we can control the ball and make them chase us, that will work in our favour.
“Perry Park has a rich history in Brisbane football, it’s a nice stadium and hopefully we can get a good crowd here who create a great atmosphere.”
The Roar head into finals on the back of consecutive four-goal hauls, with their attack striking form at just the right time.
But much of their success has been built on their defensive strength, which Polkinghorne believes will be crucial this afternoon.
“It’s going to be a really tough game. We’ve had the upper hand on them this season but we’re expecting to be challenged tomorrow,” Polkinghorne said.
“That’s one thing we’ve built our season on – our defensive structure and defending not just as a back four, but a whole unit.
“We like to press high and be aggressive. When you have the likes of [goalkeeper] Mackenzie Arnold behind it gives you confidence to make sure you’re doing your job.”
