Ahead of the new campaign, we’re profiling every club in the Westfield W-League.
Brisbane Roar stormed home to the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Premiership last season, but ultimately fell short in the race to the Championship decider.
JETS: Get to know the team from the Hunter
DEPARTURE: Championship-winning duo leave Brisbane
Here’s everything you need to know about Brisbane.
History
Brisbane have historically been one of the strongest sides in the Westfield W-League, entering the competition as Queensland Roar for the competition’s inception back in 2008/09.
In that year, they won the Premiership and Championship double with a host of Westfield Matildas stars – including Clare Polkinghorne, Elise Kellond-Knight, and Tameka Butt.
Since then, they’ve won the Premiership twice (2012/13 and 2017/18) and the Championship once more (2010/11).
Colours and badge
Like the club’s Hyundai A-League team, Brisbane’s home kit is predominantly orange colour.
The badge has been updated in recent years and now displays a roaring white lion with the club’s name wrapped around on a white ribbon, backed by an orange crest.
Home ground
Brisbane share their time around at different pitches. Last season, they played a majority of their matches at Suncorp Stadium as a part of double-headers with the men’s team.
They’ve also spent time playing out at Perry Park and A.J. Kelly Park in the past – the former was the setting for last year’s semi-final defeat at the hands of Melbourne City.
Coach
Melissa Andreatta is the current Brisbane Roar head coach, and has been since the beginning of the 2016/17 season.
Previously the assistant manager at the club, Andreatta took over from former boss Belinda Wilson.
Prior to her role with the Roar, she served as the National Training Centre and Football Queensland Girls State Team head coach, and U17 national team assistant coach in 2013/14.
Players
Brisbane have fielded some of the Westfield Matildas’ best on their roster recently, including club legend Clare Polkinghorne, midfield sensation Katrina Gorry and young live-wire Hayley Raso.
Polkinghorne is among the all-time leading appearance holders in the competition with 115 matches for Brisbane, dating all the way back to their inaugural season in the league.
Best season
It’s hard to look past Brisbane’s inaugural season in the league, back in the competition’s maiden 2008/09 campaign.
The Roar romped home to the first ever Westfield W-League Premiership with a lead of eight points, conceding just seven goals in 10 matches.
In the finals series, Roar edged Sydney FC on penalties in the semi-final before defeating Canberra 2-0 in the grand final.
Did you know?
Brisbane Roar contested five of the first six Westfield W-League grand finals, winning two and losing three.
