The top of the Westfield W-League table is looking extremely cluttered Tameka Butt has ensured Brisbane Roar will play a part in the finals.
With just one round of the Westfield W-League regular season to play, the top of the table is looking extremely cluttered. But Brisbane Roar can rest easy knowing they will play a part in the finals series thanks to a commanding performance by Tameka Butt.
The Brisbane midfielder is known for her prolific goal scoring and proved once again just how vital she is to the heart of the Roar’s attack. Facing stiff opposition in the form of Sydney FC, Butt stepped up to the challenge and produced both goals for her side in a crucial 2-0 victory, but says her teammates played an important part in both strikes.
“The first goal was a well-played team goal, so that was probably my favourite,” she says. “But the second came from a good attack and good pressure, so I think both of them were team goals, which is important.”
Although they now sit atop the Westfield W-League table, Brisbane didn’t have the easiest of times in the first half of the season, especially against arch-rivals Sydney FC. Their 3-1 loss to the Sky Blues in round three did nothing to dampen the Roar’s mood, however, according to Butt.
“At the start of the season, we knew we were going to be a team that would finish strong. The preparation we had and the late notice of our coach was against us, so we definitely knew we’d be a second-half team, and we’ve come through as that.”
Despite a slow start, Brisbane Roar have been in remarkable form recently, remaining undefeated since the end of November and currently enjoying a three-game winning streak.
“I think everyone is excited to be in the finals series again. We’re still pretty motivated for this week’s game, though, as we really want a home final. Also knowing that we’re coming into form means we can definitely take out the championship.”
While Brisbane haven’t been minor premiers since the Westfield W-League’s inaugural season, they have quite remarkably reached every grand final in the competition’s history. It remains to be seen whether they can make it five on the trot, but after courageous displays against Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Adelaide United and most recently Sydney FC, it’s hard to argue against Tameka Butt and her teammates challenging for a third Westfield W-League title.
