Photo Credit: 9 new players to suit up for Brisbane Roar (Image Credit: Chris Simpson)
The Brisbane Roar have undergone the biggest transition of players in the clubs history with nine new players added to the Season 8 squad of the two-time W-League champions.
Coming off their worst ever season, coach Belinda Wilson has been tasked with re-building the squad following the significant impact of injuries, retirements and departures.
German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer (retirement), Elise Kellond-Knight (Germany), Kim Carroll (Perth Glory), Larissa Crummer (Melbourne City) and Hayley Raso headline the departures while stalwarts and full backs Brooke Spence (broken a bone in her foot) and Vedrana Popovic (Achilles tendon) have been ruled out for the season due to injuries.
The 17 player squad announced is headlined by Matildas Clare Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry and Tameka but with capped Matildas Emily Gielnik and Amy Chapman also providing experience.
"Foundation players like Clare and Tameka and senior players Katrina, Amy and Em will have an important role in providing leadership and experience to those new players stepping up to the W-League for the first time," said Wilson.
"There will always be challenges in bringing a new squad together and I have no doubts this group is up to those challenges."
The new players are a mixture of local league players provided an opportunity in the W-League and Queenslanders with W-League experience returning home.
Leading that pack is attacking midfielder Gabe Marzano - who has displayed strong pre-season form - who returning home after a season with Season 7 premiers Perth Glory.
Meanwhile the Roar returnees include midfielder/defender Ashley Spina is back at Brisbane after a season with the Newcastle Jets and rehabbing from a second ACL injury, defender Ruth Blackburn (who spent two seasons at Adelaide United) and midfielder Alisha Foote (a season with Melbourne Victory).
The local talent includes defender Summer O'Brien, forward Sofie Persson (Sunshine Coast Fire), midfielderMaili Forbes (The Gap) while goalkeeper Carrie Simpson joins from Bradford City and forward Cortnee Vine is promoted from the Roar WNPL program.
While the turnover is significant, Wilson is confident the players can integrate and the team has the ability to improve on last season's performances.
"It is great to see players who have worked hard to advance through the NPL system who will now get the chance to test themselves at a higher level."
"The important thing is we have been able to re-establish the culture that helped make us so successful in the past and that will hold us in good stead in the season ahead."
Roar still have three roster positions available including three international spots.
Brisbane Roar start their Season 8 campaign against Canberra United at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, 18 October.
Brisbane Roar - Season 8 squad
2. Brooke Goodrich, 3. Amy Chapman, 4. Clare Polkinghorne (below), 6. Angela Beard, 7. Gabe Marzano, 8. Ayesha Norrie, 9. Cortnee Vince, 10. Katrina Gorry, 12 Alisha Foote, 13. Tameka Butt, 14. Summer O'Brien, 15. Ruth Blackburn, 16. Ashley Spina, 17. Emily Gielnik, 18. Maili Forbes, 19. Sofie Persson, 20. Carrie Simpson (gk).
