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Playing against her mentor for the first time in her career this Saturday when Victory line up against Newcastle Jets at Simonds Stadium in Geelong, Brianna is excited to face her former team mate and knows her opposite number will be feeling the same.
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“We’re both going to be pumped to play each other and try to come away with the win,” she said.
“I have something to prove, the pressure is going to be on and this is the game I want to make sure I perform in.”
With much talk made of Barbieri’s departure at the end of last season there will be plenty of interest in this classic ‘Master vs. the Apprentice’ battle, but Brianna is not letting the occasion get the better of her – especially with the bond the two shared last season.
“I’ve always looked up to Bubs; when I went in to the team last year as a rookie she took me under her wing so I have a lot of respect for her,” said the young keeper.
“She taught me in both the technical and mental side of things; she gave me tips here and there on how I can improve my game.
“You could improve by simply watching her out on the field and that helped me a lot – it made me learn.”
With plenty of new blood coming through the ranks since the introduction of the Westfield W-League, Brianna is the fairytale story of how a strong national league can reveal special players from a young age and give them a chance.
“I want to go out and prove a point that the younger ones can play too, so this is both an important and an exciting game,” explained Brianna.
“Since making my debut I’ve been to Matilda camps and have been training with the national team so I’ve had a taste and it would be awesome to be part of the travelling squad once the international season starts up again.”
A big part of Brianna’s development has been the opportunity to get a lot of minutes under her belt since taking on the number one role.
"It’s awesome being able to play consistently, my taste of first team football last season was a great experience and I loved every minute of it but to be able to play with the girls week in week out this year feels amazing – I love playing.”
With this Saturday’s match against Newcastle Jets a 4th vs. 5th match-up, it could prove crucial in the battle to gain a coveted play-off spot and it may come down to a single save. In what looks to be the game of the season both sides will have to bring everything to the table to take home the three points.
Kickoff is at 3pm with tickets $5 for adults, $2 for concession and free for U14. The match will also be broadcast live on ABC1.
Did you know a number of Melbourne Victory Women write player blogs? You can find them all here.