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It has been a tumultuous twelve months for the Brisbane Roar, from Mike Mulvey’s acrimonious dismissal to continued financial uncertainty under owners the Bakrie Group, and new manager John Aloisi has a huge task getting the club back to the top of the table.
The departure of Besart Berisha should not have resulted in such a fall from grace, but last season the Roar went from champions to scraping through on default into the top six. The loss of one man is too simplistic a reason, however.
The board’s meddling in on-field philosophies ended in embarrassment, with all three men responsible for Mulvey’s sacking now departed themselves, while an off-hands approach from the owners resulted in the loss of millions. The fans’ trust will be hard to reclaim.
A large portion of the team responsible for the premiership-championship double in 2013-14 still remain, however, and coupled with some small yet quality additions, the team has the potential to return to their best.
Strengths
Despite the bumpy off-season, most players have surprisingly stayed loyal to Brisbane, with only Luke Brattan jumping overboard to pursue a career in Europe. That unity could be the Roar’s biggest strength.
They have experience, and they have leaders. Matt McKay, Thomas Broich and Michael Theo (who should be fully fit this year) provide a strong spine to guide the younger group into a new era. That base should provide fans with confidence that a return to their exciting, attacking play is a possibility.
Adam Sarota and Brattan are big losses, but Jamie Maclaren’s arrival is a bit of a coup – the 22-year-old could finally provide a quality replacement for Berisha. Steven Lustica looks key to Brisbane’s chances this year, as does the ability of new Spanish signing Corona to settle into the midfield.
Thomas Broich needs to get back to top form for Brisbane Roar (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Weaknesses
Off-field drama looms as the biggest challenge for the Roar, with question marks remaining over the Bakrie Group’s long-term commitment – despite assurances to the contrary.
Any further late payments and this season will be a write-off. It is impossible to expect a squad to perform when they are not receiving a wage.
The lack of depth is also concerning, with the Roar extremely quiet in the transfer window. Another signing would help bolster the stocks and the mood.
Big question: Is John Aloisi the man to bring Brisbane back to the top?
The former Socceroo is still fairly inexperienced, but you cannot blame him for jumping at another chance to manage in the A-League. He was not ready for the job when taking charge of Melbourne Heart in 2012, and there are questions whether he is ready now.
Aloisi spent time as a development coach with Melbourne Victory earlier this year, but chose to pursue punditry work with Fox Sports rather than take an apprenticeship with a state club in the NPL. Perhaps the right opportunity never arose, but it is worrying that he pointed to his time analysing games from the TV studio as a sign of his progression.
However, he was reportedly hired on Ange Postecoglou’s advice, and if one of Australia’s best coaches in recent years thinks Aloisi is ready, then it is hard to argue. Aloisi could not have chosen a tougher assignment, hopefully he can make it work and prove himself.
Key man: Thomas Broich
Who else? The German had a relatively quiet campaign last season in an underperforming side, and suffered a number of niggling injuries. Yet he has been showing his undoubted quality in pre-season and should be back to his best this season. His partnership with Maclaren could hand the latter the golden boot.
Youngster to watch: Devante Clut
The 19-year-old has been threatening to break through into the Brisbane Roar first team and international set-up for a long time, and this season it could finally eventuate.
The midfielder first announced himself to the A-League with a spectacular goal against Wellington Phoenix on debut back in the 2013-14 season. He then had to wait patiently in the National Youth League before scoring two screamers against Suwon Bluewings in March this year.
Clut followed those performances with another two goals against La Liga’s Villarreal in pre-season, and he is a prime candidate for the Young Footballer of the Year award if he gets significant game time.
Position last season: Sixth
The Roar were lucky to get into the finals series after Perth Glory’s salary cap scandal, and duly lost to Adelaide United in the elimination final.
Prediction: Finals
It is a big call, but there is enough quality in the squad to suggest a return to form. If Aloisi can grab a decent start, and the off-field drama subsides, a finals appearance is a good chance.
First five fixtures
WSW (A), Central Coast (H), Wellington Phoenix (A), Adelaide United (A), Sydney FC (A).
Possible line-up (4-3-3)
Broich, Maclaren, Borrello
Lustica, Corona, McKay
Brown, North, DeVere, Polenz
Theo
Ins
Jamie Maclaren (Perth Glory), George Lambadaridis (injury replacement), Corona (free agent).
Outs
Andrija Kaluderovic (released), Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht – end of loan), Kofi Danning (Oakleigh Cannons), Lachlan Jackson (Jets), Luke Brattan (released).
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