Newcastle have defeated Westfield W-League heavyweights Brisbane Roar just once in their seven meetings.
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 4 January 2014
Wanderers Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 2pm
Newcastle have defeated Westfield W-League heavyweights Brisbane Roar just once in their seven meetings. And this match-up is, on paper at least, again looking to be a mismatch. The home side are on a six-match losing streak since the start of the season, while the Roar know a win here could potentially take them top of the ladder.
With the return of teenager Grace McIntyre from a knee complaint suffered at the start of the season, the Jets are now at full strength, aside from the season-ending injury to Maddy Searl during December. The young Jets side will be looking to build on some promising first-half showings this season with a consistent 90 minute. There will be a dose of extra incentive for Ashley Spina, Lauren Brown and Hannah Beard who will be taking on their former Brisbane team-mates.
Brisbane Roar coach Belinda Wilson will be hoping for a dominant performance in Newcastle, and one that kick-starts her side-s campaign following some uncharacteristic erratic form. The Roar have lost two of their six starts to date and are winless in their past two outings. While the Roar were boosted by the return of Matildas star Tameka Butt after an unwanted absence, there was a blow for international team-mate Amy Chapman who is the latest victim of serious knee injury, having suffered a ligament tear.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza Campbell (gk), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 11. Grace McIntyre, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 15. Libby Copus-Brown, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 18. Clare Wheeler, 20. Claire Coelho (gk) (two to be omitted)
Ins: Grace Macintyre (returns from injury), Sophie Nenadovic, 15. Libby Copus-Brown (both promoted)
Outs: Adriana Jones (omitted)
Unavailable: Maddy Searl (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Nadine ANGERER (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 15. Brooke GOODRICH, 16. Hayley RASO, 18. Sunny FRANCO, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) (one to be omitted)
Ins: Brooke Goodrich, Natasha Wheeler (both promoted), Laura Alleway (returns from suspension)
Outs: Amy Chapman (knee – season), Emily Gielnik (quad – one week)
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