Over her six W-League seasons, Brisbane Roar striker Emily Gielnik has gradually transitioned from "super sub" to regular starter and goalscorer.

However for the 22 year old, Season 6 was not the easiest with injury curtailing her game time and impact on the Roar's run to a fifth grand final.

A good pre-season, and off the pitch activities, have seen the striker return to some of her best form and, with her three goals this season, Gielnik has been one of the leading lights in the Roar forward line.

Dani Brady caught up with Emily Gielnik ahead of this Sunday's Grand Final re-match with defending champions Melbourne Victory.

1. You sustained quite a heavy knock to the knee during the Western Sydney match. Can you describe what happened and how your knee is shaping up for Round 6?

I'm not 100% sure but the ball was sent high into the box from a free Western Sydney kick.  I had my eyes on the ball for a header and I believe that the GK jumped up to grab the ball and that's when her knee collided with my leg!

Essentially it was a really bad cork and was extremely painful. I've had to rest it initially but will hopefully train fully on Saturday and be fit enough to be available for selection.

2.  Obviously the result against Western Sydney was not what the team wanted. What do you think the Roar could have done  differently to have won the game?

I think we could have worked together more as a unit. We didn't expose their weaknesses enough and allowed expectations to overwhelm us.

3.  Brisbane are currently in the uncharacteristic position of sitting in the bottom 4. What is the mood and feeling around the team right now?

Gielnik with her Shred'Em Fitness clients (supplied) Gielnik with her Shred'Em Fitness clients (supplied)

Obviously we're all disappointed after the string of losses but we're not dwelling on the disappointment.

The friendships and the bonds are definitely still there, so it's just about supporting each other and working towards the same goals.

Now we're focused on our performances and are taking it one game at a time. We can absolutely turn this around!

We've been together for so long now that I sometimes think that we take each other for granted and we allow outside pressures to weigh in.

When we stay relaxed, focused and enjoy our football, that's when we get results!

4.  The victory that you had recently against the Newcastle Jets demonstrated the potential of the Roar. What positives do you take out of that game and look to apply going forward?

We had a great warm up and were switched on, yet relaxed at the same time.

We just took to the park with a bag of confidence, minus the usual pressure and enjoyed our playing together.  We were in sync and pressed as a team and our plays were unselfish.  It was just a great game.

5.  After playing teams who have struggled in past seasons, such as Newcastle and Western Sydney; would you agree that the standard of play is lifting in the W-League?

Absolutely!  There was quite a few players changing clubs pre-season so teams are definitely getting stronger. Everyone is doing their homework too so preparation verse your opposition is key.  Every team in the league deserves respect.

6.  You spent your off season coaching Women's Premier League side Redlands United and also as Strength & Conditioning coach for the men's team.

Do you believe your involvement with the grassroots club is a good endorsement for the W-League and would you recommend other players to consider coaching in their off seasons?

I played at Redlands United (Brisbane East) and from there I was given an opportunity to train one session with the Matildas.

Right place, right time! I was 16 and was so scared and overawed by the national players.

I must have done alright because it was after that session, Tom (Sermanni) called Jeff (Hopkins) and recommended I be considered for the Queensland Academy of Sport. So I'm a bit of a local success at Redlands and I like to give back to the club.

"It's been a great experience coaching grassroots because they are the 'up and coming' of the next generation of elite footballers."

7.  You're also a very successful business owner of a thriving personal training business/fitness gym. "ShredEm Fitness" has kept you busy for the last 2 years. What is it about your job that complements your footballing career?

Firstly, it keeps me very fit and body aware but mostly, it's the values of how I run my business that reflect my own ethics towards football.

My clients inspire me every day with their continual hard work and self-belief. I see big changes in their bodies and their minds.

I purposely undercharge, because for me I want everyone to be able to afford to come & exercise, and love the benefits. I specialise in giving that extra attention and care to the individual!

It's not about the money for me. In women's football it's the same; it has never been about the money or lack of!

"I really want to help people make a big difference in their lives and that is when I experience success."

8. Do you have any Game Day rituals?

Yes! I eat chocolate Marvellous Creations seems to help me score goals (haha).

Brooke Spence (L) and Emily Gielnik (supplied) Brooke Spence (L) and Emily Gielnik (supplied)

9. Who is your favourite team mate and why?

Spencey (Brooke Spence)! She's just always so positive, always works so hard and is a great motivator for me.

She's just so down to earth, and always cares for others before herself.  Great role model!

10. If you could write a little note to all your team mates for this weekend's game against Melbourne Victory, what would it say?

Know your ability and work for every single player out there because that will mean everyone else is also working for you - and then the result will come.

Thanks Em.. And best of luck for the game against Melbourne Victory