Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Brisbane: First-half goals by Australian internationals Hayley Raso and Emily Gielnik were followed by an Abbey Lloyd brace as Brisbane Roar confirmed the W-League Premiership would return to Queensland after a five-year absence with a 4-1 win over Canberra United.
Despite a win from title challengers Sydney FC – who played their final league match against Western Sydney Wanderers simultaneously - Brisbane knew a draw or better would be enough to lift the Premiers Plate, and they took an early lead through Matildas star Raso.
Gielnik doubled the lead in the shadows of half-time when she hammered home American Carson Pickett’s cross from point blank range, and the title appeared as good as won when Lloyd punished a defensive error to make it 3-0 in the 70th minute.
Veteran Norwegian international Elise Throsnes pulled a goal back for Canberra to momentarily put celebrations on hold, but another Lloyd strike – this time a sweetly-struck half-volley – put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute.