Brisbane will be roaring to go following last season’s Westfield W-League disappointment and they begin the 2018/19 Season against a Sam Kerr-less Perth Glory.
The Roar, once more led by Mel Andreatta, came bitterly close to their sixth Grand Final in the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season, before falling in the Semi Final to eventual champions Melbourne City.
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Fan favourite Katrina Gorry makes her long-awaited return to Suncorp Stadium this season and will hope to make a big impact in the season opener.
There will also be a touch of Orlando Pride about the Roar on Sunday – Chioma Ubogagu will begin her maiden Westfield W-League season, while Carson Pickett dons the orange for a second time.
ICYMI: We've signed a @ThornsFC duo who sure know how to entertain! #RoarAsOne
Welcome back @HayleyRaso & @CelBee: https://t.co/1jeVjVfz0i pic.twitter.com/jTUUhzaPMN
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) October 10, 2018
Perth Glory will be up for the challenge, though, having made some big signings themselves.
But they will not be able to call on their biggest acquisition, Sam Kerr, who was recently nominated for the inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or.
Kerr took home the NSWL’s Golden Boot for a second consecutive season and is the Westfield W-League’s first ever marquee signing but will not play due to a suspension hanging over her head.
Kerr is one of a host of big names unavailable, with Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Leticia McKenna and Morgan Aquino all on international duty. Nicole Stanton is suspended, too.
Experienced defender Natasha Rigby will play her first Westfield W-League match for the Glory, though, as coach Bobby Despotovski looks to bolster the side’s defence.
Kick off is at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2.30pm.
Ins and Outs
Brisbane Roar FC squad:2.Carson PICKETT, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5.Jenna MCCORMICK, 6.Celeste BOUREILLE, 9.Chioma UBOGAGU, 10.Katrina GORRY, 11.Natalie TATHEM, 12.Allira TOBY, 14.Summer O’BRIEN, 15.Abbey LLOYD, 18.Leah DAVIDSON, 19.Hollie PALMER, 21.Danielle WARD, 22.Anna MARGRAF, 30.Elli CHAPPLE (gk), 40.Kezia PRITCHARD (gk)
**one to be omitted**
Unavailable: 7.Indiah-Paige RILEY (international duty – 1 week), 8.Kaitlyn TORPEY (international duty – 1 week), 16.Hayley RASO (back – TBC), 20.Annie GROVE (gk) (international duty – 1 week)
Perth Glory FC squad:1.Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL (c), 4.Alyssa MAUTZ, 5.Shannon MAY, 6.Abbey MEAKINS, 9.Rachel HILL, 13.Jamie-Lee GALE, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15.Alexia MORENO, 17.Liana COOK, 18. Isabella FOLETTA, 23.Stacey CAVILL (gk),24.Natasha RIGBY, 25.Katie NAUGHTON
Unavailable: 7.Nicole STANTON (suspended – 1 week), 20.Sam KERR (suspended – 1 week), 10.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (international duty), 11.Leticia MCKENNA (international duty), 21.Morgan AQUINO (international duty)
Watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 or SBS VICELAND to see Sam Kerr tackle the 2018/19 Season for the first time as a marquee player, with kick off at 2:30pm (AEDT).
You can also stream the match live on the My Football Live App – Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
Tickets
Secure your ticket to Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory here.
