On 1 November 2008, Renee Rollason scored twice in the last eight minutes of a 3-1 victory over Perth Glory, to become the first Mariners woman to claim a brace in Westfield W-League history.
On 1 November 2008, Renee Rollason scored twice in the last eight minutes of a 3-1 victory over Perth Glory, to become the first Mariners woman to claim a brace in Westfield W-League history.
One year and three weeks on, the Mariners- attacking midfielder is still playing a pivotal role for the Central Coast with her neat passing, strong physical presence, and lethal right foot in-front of goal.
The Central Coast Mariners women enter the penultimate round of Westfield W-League season two in first spot with a one-point lead over defending champions Brisbane Roar.
With only one loss against the Mariners- name – against Brisbane Roar in Round 3 – Stephen Roche-s side has made the Roar pay for their three draws this season to overtake the Matildas filled Brisbane line-up, two weeks out from finals football.
“It has been a great season by all the team, though there is still much to be done,” said 20-year-old Rollason.
“We have a wonderful team environment, all the girls get along really well, and we have managed to show this in our performances.”
Rollason-s impressive displays in 2008 failed to steer the side into finals football in season one, though a much more experienced group in 2009 has made right of the wrongs in 2008.
“We, the girls that were part of last season-s team, did really well, though perhaps we just lacked experience at certain times which saw us miss out on the finals.
“This season, with the addition of Kelly (Golebiowski) and our three American imports (Jillian Loyden, Kendall Fletcher and Lydia Vandenbergh) we have that extra experience that has added what we lacked last time around,” said Rollason.
Rollason & Co. secured finals football for 2009 with an impressive 2-0 defeat of Melbourne Victory last weekend. The basis of the victory revolved around another strong defensive showing, made possible by a strong midfield performance via the feet of Rollason, Fletcher and Golebiowski, and realised by some world class finishing by Michelle Heyman.
“As I said, we are all enjoying ourselves at the moment; every single player is performing exceptionally well on match day, in training. It has really become difficult for the coach (Stephen Roche) each week as he can only select eleven starters and four players to go onto the bench; we are really making it hard for him.
“Our approach won-t change, and we-ll continue to challenge with the belief that we can win the title this season,” Rollason said.
Round 9 sees the Mariners women return to Bluetongue Stadium, for the second ‘F3 derby- of the season against Newcastle Jets.
“They (Newcastle Jets) sit at the bottom of the table, and they will be eager to get some points to move out of last-spot; we certainly cannot underestimate their ability.
“Even though we scored a good win against them last time around, we really want to finish first on the ladder to give ourselves a strong edge going into the finals,” said Rollason.
Rollason, who has vested the Matildas colours on six occasions, has her attentions solely fixed on the Mariners for the time being, though with a big 2010 on the ‘fixture list- for Tom Sermanni and the Matildas, this young Mariner is eager to give it her all for a look-in.
“Most definitely, I want to be playing in the Matildas squad.
“At the moment, I am concentrating on the W-League, though next year will be a big year for the Matildas with a lot of fixtures to be played. I hope to get a look in, to be called into some of the squads and then give it my all,” said Rollason.
The Central Coast Mariners Wetfield W-League side takes on Newcastle Jets this Friday, 27 November at Bluetongue Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:15pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
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