Roaring Off To A-League Adventure

Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery

- David Lee

Lionesses forward Danelle Tan's eagerly anticipated A-League Women debut lasted only about 20 minutes, but the drama and intensity have left her yearning for more.

After missing Brisbane Roar's first eight games of the season due to knee surgery, the 20-year-old Singaporean ran onto the Perry Park pitch to cheers from her father and many among the 3,612-strong crowd on Jan 4.

Coming on for Evdokiya Popadinova in the 72nd minute, the No. 9 was involved in some attacking moves, and within seconds, she was celebrating with her teammates as Laini Freier opened the scoring against the visiting Canberra United with a neat finish into the bottom corner.

But Emma Roberts equalised in the 81st minute with a long-range effort before Michelle Heyman completed the comeback for Canberra seven minutes later despite suspicions of handball.

With the defeat, the Roar missed the opportunity to leapfrog Melbourne City to the top of the 12-team league after nine games. On Jan 5, City extended their lead to four points after a 1-1 draw at bottom club Sydney FC, but have played a game more.