Football Season Guide

Last season saw Roar score tons of goals but also concede a lot. Had the 2nd best attack (37) but also the worst defence in the entire league (39). Scoring enough goals gave them 4th place after the regular season. Beat Adelaide 3-0 in the Elimination Final and even edged Phoenix 2-1 at home in the 1st leg of the semis. Lost 0-2 in Wellington though and the season ended with another showing that exposed serious defensive weaknesses. It has been a summer of changes. The main being at the helm. After 3 years in charge coach Smith was released. Jonathan Clemente is trusted with his 1st HC job. He spent the last 4 years as an assistant coach at Melbourne Victory. The top scorer from last season Jansen (8 goals) returned to Holland. Long-serving captain Yallop and several regular defenders that failed to impress also left. As expected focused their main attention on adding quality in defence. All of the 4 new players in this area are potential regulars. Roar need to improve even a bit defensively to be seen as real contenders. Up front after a breakthrough season Daisy Brown (20) should play a lot. She scored 7 goals last term in her 1st year as a senior. Jansen’s departure is unlikely to be felt much once big star Sharn Freier is ready to play. She missed most of last season with an ACL tear. Should be back before the end of November so expected to provide a major boost in attack.