To say Brisbane Roar forward Emily Gielnik is a busy person would be a significant understatement. But one gets the impression that is just the way she likes it.
And the Melbourne-born, Brisbane-raised Gielnik is thriving on the field against the backdrop of a busy a period in both her football and work life.
There have been recent call-ups to Westfield Matildas camps, though the first priority is Monday’s Westfield W-League semi-final against Melbourne City.
Away from football, Gielnik has been busy of late combining two passions – coffee and physical training. Her own gym – Shredem – is set to open in a few weeks which will also have a small café.
“Being a typical physical trainer I drink coffee like crazy, and as a soccer player we travel around and love a good cup of coffee,” said Gielnik. “So I have been able to tie together everything I love.
“I want it to be anything other than one of those other (commercial) gyms, more like a family and community based gym.
“Hopefully we will be one of the best coffee places in the Redlands area, so hopefully that helps brings people together for us.
“Coffee is the No1 discussion on Brisbane Roar away trips. We get (Roar midfielder) Amy Chapman to scout the coffee hot spots, and usually there is none within walking distance,” laughs Gielnik. “We will actually group together and pay for a cab to get a decent coffee.”
Of more immediate focus is a powerhouse semi-final as the five-time grand finalists take on the pretenders to the crown – the all-conquering Melbourne City.
City secured a hefty 4-0 win agaist the Roar early in the season, but were then pushed all the way on the Gold Coast last month in a match that ultimately was enough to win the premiership.
The Roar, though, are a different proposition over the past month. And their good form proved enough for a rails-run into fourth place.
“We have started to peak in the past few weeks, and probably our best game in that time was against Melbourne City, but we unfortunately lost a player to a red card and lost 1-0,” says the 23-year-old.
“I’m actually happy that we are playing Melbourne City, because there is nothing better than knocking over the top team and going into the Grand Final.
“I believe that we have grown over the course of the season more than any team, and I think that if we can perform on the day we are in with a good shot.”
Gielnik has made her name during her six-year Westfield W-League career as a No9 target. This season, however, Gielnik has played out wide in the forward line, and she is relishing the new role.
“I have enjoyed taking on players, running with the ball and putting in a good ball,” she says. “I have found my feet a little bit more in the past few weeks.
“I used to love scoring goals, but now I love a good assist. I think I have fallen in love with a good assist!
“I have enjoyed this season as much as any season so far. That (form) has got me into the Matildas squad so hopefully that means I am doing something right.”
Westfield W-League semi-finals
Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Monday 25 January 2016
Kick-off: 4:30pm
(Hyundai A-League double-header – Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix)
Tickets from Ticketek
Canberra United v Sydney FC
McKellar Park, Canberra
Sunday 24 January 2016
Kick-off: 2pm
Ticket details as follows:
http://www.w-league.com.au/article/westfield-w-league-semi-final-ticket-information/j2sz6lqhj15x1em9xqj2fe9nc
Both matches live on Fox Sports/ABC TV
