Clare Polkinghorne: Round Eight

There is no other game like a game between Brisbane Roar Women and Sydney FC women. The history between the two teams goes well beyond the existence of the Westfields W-league. However, the W-League has witnessed some epic battles between the two rival teams. In season one a semi-final between the two teams went beyond the 90 minutes to include 30 minutes of extra time and yet the teams couldn’t be separated. We eventually came through to beat Sydney in a penalty shoot-out and we went on to win the grand final the next week. In season two, Sydney got their revenge beating us in the grand final in a flourish of second half goals in the space of 15 minutes.

In round one of this season, Sydney came out firing and dominated the game beating us 4-2. We were no match for a rampant Sydney that day and full credit to the way they played. There is no doubt that both teams love the challenge of playing each other and the healthy rivalry is good for the game and good for the W-League. With so many Matildas playing for Sydney and Brisbane, there is never a dull moment in the game and any player can produce something special to win the game for either team.

Coming off a hard fought win over Canberra just prior to Christmas, we are looking to continue our winning streak and produce a performance that we know that we are capable of producing. Against Canberra, we created countless opportunities on goal and yet we were only able to convert one of those chances. We know that we have to finish with more precision with any chance that we get against Sydney as we wont get too may chances to win the game.

After the Canberra game we got a few days off to celebrate Christmas with our families. After our mini break the girls have come back with a rejuvenated approach to training and we are looking very sharp. There is a new energy around Brisbane Roar and hopefully we can translate that into our game on game-day. New Years day is going to be a massive challenge for us and the winner of this game will go along way to securing top spot on the ladder for the remainder of the season and may well finish there.

This week it is hard to pinpoint who will be a key player in us winning the game. In big games we need each and every player who is on the field and on the bench to step up and do their jobs. Defensively we need to be strong as a whole unit and not just a defensive 4 in the backline. We need to attack as a team and not just as a front three. In saying that, big games call for big game players to step up and blow the game wide open. For the Brisbane Roar Tameka Butt is one of those players that can come out of nowhere are win a game for her team. Lisa DeVanna is also one of those players who is so unpredictable on the field but will consistently win games. Both are exciting players and good finishers.

The stage is set for another battle between Brisbane and Sydney on New Years Day at Campbelltown with kickoff at 3pm. The game will also be shown on ABC1 at 3pm. It is shaping up to be one of the games of the season, so where ever you are, come along or tune in on TV for what looks to be a quality game regardless of who the victors may be.

Clare is a girl with a strong passion for football and the womens game in particular. Captain of W-League side Brisbane Roar, Clare is also a current Matilda. Catch the W-League every week at your local ground, or if you cant make the game live on ABC1. To read Clare's other columns for The Football Sack, click here!