bris_tbuttBrisbane's Tameka Butt started off the season on fire as she and her team mates carved up Canberra United in the grand final replay.

Since that match it has been a tougher road for Butt and her Roar team mates with midfielder/striker battling hamstring problems.

After some intense work Tameka is back and, as her game against Perth proved, it won't be long before 18 year is back to best.

Tameka, it couldn’t have been a better season for the Roar in season one.  Coming back to defend the title, did you feel the squad prepared well for the challenge?

I think that everyone was ready to go from the first game as we proved when we beat Canberra.  To be in the starting 11 is important for me and I have fought for my position in this team as we have a lot of Matildas.  Everyone is trying hard for a place in the team and we are willing to do what is needed to defend out title.

How have Brisbane stayed motivated considering how well you did last season?

Really we take it each game as it comes.  In each of the games the teams get better, the competition gets harder.  We know that no game will be easy and we have to go out there with the right mindset.

I think the girls are motivated by each game and winning.

How competitive is training with so many good players vying for limited spots?

It’s pretty up there.  It makes for good training sessions.  They are high tempo and there is a lot of competitiveness within the team and I think that has helped us a lot.

Personally you started the season well but injuries have curtailed your progress recently.  Are you on track to be fit and ready come finals?

Yeah.  I have had a few problems with my hamstring but everyone has been looking after me the last few weeks.  I am back on track now so I should be playing for the rest of the season.

How has Jeff Hopkins helped your game?

Jeff is a good coach.  He talks with you individually and lets you know how you are going.  He gives you pointers on what you need to improve on so he does help you in that aspect.

He is good at motivating the team and telling us what mindset we should have and really pumping us up in the change rooms.

What do you bring to the Roar squad?

I think my strengths help in the position I play in as either the striker or just behind the striker.  I think that I bring speed, quick feet and a bit of variation to that role.

What did you learn from season one that you have been able to incorporate this season from the beginning?

Season one was a real eye opener with all the talent that we had out and all the young girls in Australia.  I think it was just to prove a point that women’s football is here and will be getting bigger.  We also want to show the supporters that we are here to play.

Heading into the finals, where do you think you can improve in your own game?

With my game, I think I just need to stay focused and keep working for the girls.  I think I need to finish a few more of my chances.

I think there are few areas that I can improve on and I will be working on that during training

What the greatest challenges for the Roar as you come up to the finals series?

The pressure is really going to be on in the semi finals and the final.  We are hoping we will get a home semi, which will be good to have the home crowd with us again.

I think that working through the final stages will be the hardest thing for our team.

What are your goals in the next 12 months?

My first priority would be to help the Matildas qualify next year for the World Cup.  To hopefully build a stronger reputation in the Matildas and hold my position.

Tameka, best of luck to the Roar ladies in the finals.