Words: Staff Writers
Image: Brisbane Roar FC

Brisbane Roar FC opened their Westfield W-League account on the weekend with help from two debutants fresh off stellar their seasons with Olympic FC.

PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland 2016 Grand Finalists Allira Toby and Natalie Tathem made their first appearances for Roar in the 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Corporate Travel Management Stadium.

Both came off the bench in the come from behind win – Toby, who previously played Westfield W-League with Adelaide United, scoring the equalising goal with her first touch of the game early in the second half.

Tathem also came off the bench and made quickly helped to set a platform for with her solid defending and passing vision.

The match was the first for Tathem, who was Olympic’s captain as they reached their maiden PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland Grand Final in September, in the national top tier.

Also taking the field for Roar was former Olympic junior Kaitlyn Torpey, who started and excelled in a memorable battle with current Westfield Matildas superstar Caitlin Foord.

Watching from the stands – amidst a competition record crowd of 3,105 - was beaming Olympic FC Women’s coach Phil Canham.

‘It’s really just reward for all three of these girls, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Canham said.

“To have three players I’ve worked with debut for the Roar in one game is something I may never experience again.”

“They all did exactly what I knew they could, and it’s just a moment I’ll never forget. I’m so happy for them, and I’m happy for our program.”

Canham said players progressing from Olympic to the national top tier competition is the club’s women’s program’s raison d’etre.

‘This is proof that we are at the cutting edge of player development right now,” Canham elaborated.

“Our aims of creating players capable of performing on the national stage are always going to lead our way, but this is proof that the plan we have, from SAP to WNPL, can help players achieve their goals.”

“Given the quality of players in our junior and senior teams at the moment, these ladies won’t be the last players to get an opportunity at the next level,” he concluded.

Olympic is currently trialling players for their Under 15 Girls, Under 17 Girls and Women’s teams for the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland 2017 season.

Find out more at http://www.olympicfc.net.au/