The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
If Brisbane Roar didn’t do this so regularly, it would be unbelievable.
John Aloisi’s side put another ‘Roar time’ goal into their A-League highlights reel on Friday night when Luke DeVere volleyed home in the 96th minute to deny Melbourne Victory three points at Suncorp Stadium.
The Socceroos defender pounced deep into the stoppage time with a looping volley after the Victory failed to clear Tommy Oar’s free-kick.
Not only was it late. Not only was it great.
But it came from the foot of a man playing in his first A-League match in 18 months, scoring his first A-League goal in six years.
The Roar were in strife when Matt McKay was sent off just after the half-hour mark and the visitors took full advantage and went ahead through Mitch Austin.
Given their prowess when it comes to scoring late goals, Brisbane were never out of the contest and thus it proved.
“I’m definitely delighted with the late response. We’ve proven in the past that we never give up, we never stop,” Aloisi said.
Aloisi was delighted that it was DeVere took the spotlight after a wretched run with injuries.
In March 2015, DeVere was handed his first start by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou – against world champions Germany
But just five games later, he was prevented from finishing the season with a thigh problem.
DeVere was pressured to return for a post-season friendly with Spanish side Villarreal and ripped his hip flexor off the bone, missing the entire 2015/16 season.
“I couldn’t be happier for someone like Luke DeVere,” he said.
“He’s been through a lot. Luke DeVere is what this club is about.
“Going through tough times. A lot of people at this club have gone through tough times. They don’t know how to give up.”
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
Round 19 was an interesting weekend of football with no draws, 19 goals in six matches, two five-goal games on Sunday and for the…