SINGAPORE: Singaporean footballer Danelle Tan has faced her fair share of challenges since joining the A-League Women side Brisbane Roar last year. The talented 20-year-old's journey in professional football has been anything but straightforward, marked by injuries and stiff competition for playing time.

After signing with Brisbane Roar, Tan was struck by a knee injury that kept her sidelined for nearly two months, forcing her to miss the initial matches of the season. Since her return, she has made three substitute appearances and is on a mission to secure her first goal.

"It's been an absolute whirlwind of a season," Tan shared during a media roundtable. "Without a winter break, the games come thick and fast, and that makes it tough to find your rhythm after an injury."

Despite the obstacles, Tan's resilience shines through. The first female Singaporean footballer to play in a European league, she previously showcased her talent at Borussia Dortmund in Germany, netting 17 goals in 27 appearances during her season there. Her groundbreaking signing made her the first female player from Asia to join the illustrious club.

Tan reflected on her experiences, stating, "Every season presents its challenges. In Germany, I had to adapt to the cold and learn a new language, while here it’s a different kind of challenge on the pitch. I welcome these trials as they contribute to my growth as a player and a person."

She holds the honor of being Singapore's youngest international goalscorer, having made her mark in the 2019 ASEAN Football Federation Women's Championship at just 14 years old. However, transitioning to the higher level of performance with Brisbane Roar has brought new challenges. Coping with heightened competition and training alongside Australian internationals like Tameka Yallop and Sharn Freier has been invaluable for her development.

Tan expressed appreciation for the world-class facilities at Brisbane, asserting, "This experience is a proper taste of professional football, and it’s a huge leap forward in my career."

Roar's head coach, Alex Smith, praised Tan's technical ability and offensive skill, marking her as one of the most talented players on the squad. However, he has emphasized the need for her to adapt to the faster pace of Australian football compared to her previous experience in Germany. “Once she masters the pace of play and gains that speed and awareness, she’ll truly thrive here,” he noted.

As the Roar prepares for a five-day tour in Singapore, including an exhibition match against the best of the local Women's Premier League, Tan expressed excitement. "I wish I'd had the chance to see a professional women’s team during my childhood. I hope our presence inspires more girls in Singapore to pursue football."

Currently, the Roar stand sixth in the league and are vying for a spot in the Final Series. With her contract set to expire at the end of the season, the future remains uncertain for Tan; however, she remains dedicated to putting in the hard work necessary to improve.

Coach Smith sees a bright future for her, insisting that the experiences she is accumulating now will greatly benefit her career. “This tough phase will only serve to strengthen her skills and character as a footballer in the long run.”

As Danelle Tan navigates the complexities of professional football, her unwavering spirit and commitment to improvement could very well make her a name to watch in the world of women's football. Stay tuned for what’s next in her inspiring journey!