However, it was a fall in the semi-final which hurt the most as they went down 2-0 to Melbourne City, who went on to be crowned Champions once again.

It was a complete 180 from the 2016/17 season where the team was affected by off-field drama plus a new coach so stability was the key to their success last season. 

Over half the Australian players, stayed and played with the club in the off-season in a mid-week competition against junior NPL boys teams which allowed them to build a solid connection on and off the field. 

There was only the addition of Hayley Raso, Carson Pickett, Celeste Boureille and Wai Ki Cheung who only added depth to the squad while Pickett being the surprise packet of the internationals.

While Roar only had 21 goals to their name, it was their defence which made them stand out from the other teams as they only conceded 12 goals. While it did come down to the final match of the regular season to crown Roar as Premiers, they were able to show a new side of Roar. 

However, the squad has seen the departure of long-time players; Emily Gielnik (Victory), Tameka Butt (City) and Amy Chapman which will leave a hole in their attack while Hayley Raso is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as she rehabs from a back injury.

Roar have re-signed majority of their squad from last season with only two new internationals coming aboard to strengthen their attack. Jenna McCormick comes into the side for a month before heading back to Adelaide to start pre-season training for the AFLW.

The team has been focusing on their finishing throughout pre-season after having one of the lowest conversion rates (12%) last season.

"We've worked a lot on our ability to finish in the front third and I think the signings reflect that, but also give us depth and options," coach Mel Andreatta said.

"We've got players whose strengths lie in different areas, which gives us options and I think that variation is an area of growth that will be a difference this season, that will have attacking options that can bring something different to each game and it also creates competition.

"[We're] continuing to work on our mentality really honestly believing that we can take on any team and in any situation find a way to get on top I think that was a key lesson we learned from the semi-final," she said.

THE STRENGTHS

The re-signing 12 of the squads 20 player squad from the 2017/18 season is only set to benefit them with only four newbies coming into the side while the other four have been working with the squad as members of the NTC side. 

It's always a benefit when a team can keep most of their core spine together and being able to re-sign all their defensive players is enough to have faith that in season 11 they are are going to be tough to beat. 

THE CHALLENGE

It was the issue last season and will definitely be the issue again this season...will Roar forwards be able to score? It sounds incredibly harsh but in a competition where some of the best scorers in the world play, it's a question that must be asked.

It has been an issue for the last four seasons with 2017/18 being their highest in that period. While last season the forwards scored the majority of the goals with Allira Toby bagging five, Raso with four and Gielnik with two, the goals were still widely spread out among the midfielder and defence.

This usually isn't a problem but the team do need a number 9 who can put the ball in the net consistently. Roar have signed U20's World Cup winner Chioma Ubogagu to try combat this issue while Japanese forward Yuki Nagasato is set to play in midfield. Statistics from the NWSL season for both players showed they scored four goals apiece with Nagasato making seven assists.

It's unknown how the side will set up at the top and who will be swinging the crosses in this season while Butt's move to City leaves a spot in midfield for added support. 

KEY PLAYERS

Carson Pickett (Defence)

One of the surprise packets in defence last season, Pickett made a name for herself in the W-League. Whether it was her inch-perfect crosses or her combination in defence, Pickett really can do everything. The 25-year-old will be important in Roar's tight-knit backline, one which only let in 12 goals last season and will be tough to beat. 

Katrina Gorry (Midfield)

Just as she was in season 10, Gorry will once again play a pivotal role in the middle of the park. She will be the link between the defence and attack for Roar but with Tameka Butt missing from the side, she will have a larger role in controlling the midfield. Gorry is also not one to shy from the goal, so if she has space outside the 18-yard box, she will shoot and make teams pay for giving her too much space.

Yuki Nagasato (Forward)

While Perth Glory fans were hoping the Chicago Red Star forward would combine with Sam Kerr this season, she's chosen Brisbane as her new home. Now retired from the Japanese National Team, she was part of their World Cup winning team in 2011 and a runner-up in 2015. Her list of accomplishments and clubs which include the likes of Chelsea and Wolfsburg, only show the calibre Nagasato is bringing to the side this season.

ONE TO WATCH

Leah Davidson (Midfielder)

Leah Davidson of Brisbane Roar and Georgina Amos of Eastern Suburbs compete for the ball. (Photo by Albert Perez)

At only 17, Leah Davidson has made a name for herself in the NPL Women's competition in Queensland. She was part of the Championship winning side with Roar/NTC during the 2018 season and scored seven goals in 16 matches. She could be vital to the Roar's midfield this season with the club only naming three other players alongside her including Gorry, Boureille and Nagasato. 

SQUAD

Carson PICKETT, Clare POLKINGHORNE, Celeste BOUREILLE, Leah DAVIDSON, Kaitlyn TORPEY, Katrina GORRY, Natalie TATHEM, Allira TOBY, Summer O’BRIEN, Abbey LLOYD, Hayley RASO, Hollie PALMER, Annie GROVE, Dani WARD, Yuki NAGASATO, Chioma UBOGAGU, Jenna MCCORMICK and Mackenzie ARNOLD (international transfer pending)