Semi-final preview: Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar heads into the finals with a third premier’s plate in the trophy cabinet and a date with reigning champions Melbourne City.

The Roar further cemented itself as one of the best and most successful teams in the W-League’s history with their top of the table finish and eighth finals campaign.

Of this season’s finalists, Brisbane’s story seems to be the most unremarkable.

Their appearance in the post-season isn’t weighted with history (Jets), burdened by expectations (City) or the subject of a grand turnaround in form (Sydney).

Brisbane has been consistently good from the get go, losing only to Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets and drawing once. The Roar have done the job, time and time again.

A team made up of experienced heads and quality youngsters, all with an emphasis on local talent, they have been stingy in defence all season and have found the back of the net with some regularity in the last few weeks against Adelaide United and Canberra United.

A semi against Melbourne City is a daunting task even at home but there is no better time for the Roar to get their another win against City and book a place in a sixth grand final.

Key Players

Katrina Gorry (Midfielder)

The midfield dynamo is so important to Brisbane Roar. Gorry is the best passer in the opposition half in the league with 434 passes and a 68 percent success rate. Her creativity and her fearlessness are both crucial to the Roar’s chances of winning.

Clare Polkinghorne (Defender)

The Roar captain has been immense all season as part of a solid backline. The experienced Matilda is no stranger to high pressure football and alongside some of her younger teammates, her cool head and calmness will be welcomed.

Kryptonite

Brisbane’s defence has been lauded with the most clean sheets (6) and fewest goals conceded (12) in the league, but the team’s goal scoring hasn’t been stellar – an issue that was flagged at the beginning of the season.

The Roar has scored eight goals in its last two matches – or over a third of their 21 goals for the season – which is a great confidence boost leading into finals, but up against the second best defence in the league with the added pressure of finals, goals may once again be scarce.

Where it will be won

Defence wins championships and these two teams are as solid as they come defensively.

Down the other end of the park, both have produced less than desirable results. Roar’s 21 goals scored and City’s 20 make them fifth and sixth respectively for goals scored with two of the poorest conversions rates in the league.

It’s painfully obvious but whichever side can crack the other’s defence first, will win.

This will be no easy feat with their last meeting ending in a 0-0 draw.

These teams have also played out a scoreless draw in a semi-final in the 2015-16 season, City eventually winning on penalties.

If Brisbane can score first, they can be confident in the knowledge they have yet to drop points after scoring first this season.