Tough start but Brisbane came roaring home | TWG Tough start but Brisbane came roaring home | TWG

Pre-season changes had two time W-League champions Brisbane Roar, in some circles, written off early as finals contenders. 

The loss of long-serving Jeff Hopkins and some fundamental senior players (due to season-ending injuries, had the Roar on the back foot.  However, never tell a Queensland team that they are beaten. 

In fact do.  They thrive on the 'underdog' tag.

The season began respectably with a draw with Canberra United in the grand final re-match and it seemed to instill a sense of fortitude and hope for the uncertain squad under newly appointed head coach Belinda Wilson.

The point gained was quickly followed by two discouraging defeats against both Sydney teams early on in the mix and suddenly the ladies in orange were in trouble and needed to find a more cohesive field formation and some determination to give themselves a good chance at a final's spot.

True to form, the Roar back half of the season saw the them surge not only into finals contention but also take out the premiership.  The brilliant second half of the season saw them to defeat every team they matched up against bar a draw with then top the table Perth Glory.

MVPs

Gorry return home to be one of Brisbane's best | (Credit: Getty Images) Gorry return home to be one of Brisbane's best | (Credit: Getty Images)

Tameka Butt

Arguably the most valuable player of the season, Butt battled with form initially but ultimately proved herself a talent and inspiration to her team-mates and fans.  Her clinical first touches and her dazzling footwork around defenders had new fans to the women's game highly impressed.

Amy Chapman

A veteran to the game, Chapman proved a linchpin to the Roar's midfield; utilising an aggressive defender's style of 'winning the ball' to having the a vision of a quintessential No.10 offensive play-maker.  Whilst the Roar's Matildas contingent were absent during the season, Chapman stepped up and led the revival alongside Elise Kellond-Knight.

Katrina Gorry

A "Pocket Rocket" with skill, stamina and spirit! If the team ever needed a 'pick me up', a shot of Katrina with her freakish ability to break down the opposition's offence and consequently capitalise on, with a blinding counter attack.  It was always an inspired passage of play from Gorry that duly invigorated the Roar forward; to play out the hard 90 minutes.

*Honourable Mention: Vedrana Popovic - Clever and savvy utility footballer... technically outstanding!

Room for Improvement

For the first time season the inaugural W-League season, the Roar struggled with squad depth.  Commencing the season with a questionable depth in the normally star-studded Roar line up proved to be a bit of a challenge.  For the first time several new players were injected into the squad and that depth was tested at various times during the season and injury and international duty ravaged the team.  In the end the Roar had more than enough returning quality however this will be something to be addressed.

Final word

There is no finality when it comes to such an enduring and classy team.  Even though a grand final appearance did not eventuate in Season Five, an acquisition of the Premiership and a plethora of brilliant footballing moments was duly on display.  Witnessing crowd numbers increase as momentum built towards the business end of the season, was a testament to the team hitting fine form.