Opinion
With the season postponed, here’s a review of Brisbane Roar’s 2019-20 season.
Stumbling out of the gates in the early going of the season, the side made real progress by January. Finally things started to click, with Robbie Fowler getting his side to play the attacking football he wanted. Winning three of their past four games, Brisbane sits fourth on the table.
Season highlight: Bradden Inman
Joining in the offseason on a free trade from third-tier English side Rochdale FC, Inman has been a consistent performer for the side. During the earlier parts of the season, when the side was struggling, he was a shinning light. The central midfielder has scored four and assisted five in his 21 games this season, contributing to 36 per cent of Brisbane’s goals this season.
Season lowlight: 5-1 loss to Sydney FC
In the early part of the season a major issue for Brisbane Roar was their end product, failing to put their chances away in the final third. This was shown in their Round 9 match-up against Sydney FC, who gave Brisbane one of their heaviest defeats in their history. Brisbane won possession 58 per cent to Sydney’s 42 per cent and registered three more shots on goal (15-12). Yet the stark contrast in quality between the teams at the time showed, as Sydney took their chances while Brisbane couldn’t put their shots away. An all-round disappointing performance.
End of season bonus: Mirza Muratovic
Given the current COVID-19 situation it’s unlikely Brisbane are giving out pay raises. Hypothetically, however, a frontrunner for it would be Muratovic. His first senior appearance for the side was in the Round 12 clash against Newcastle, and he continued to impress in his limited game time. Making 12 appearances, five of which have come off the bench, Muratovic has scored two and assisted two. The 20-year-old has made good strides in his young A-League career.
Chopping block: Aaron Reardon
The young centre back has been part of the senior side for two seasons, having graduated from the Y-League side. He has yet to make his mark, making only three appearances last season and none this season. Tom Aldred, Daniel Bowles and Macauley Gillesphey are all ahead of him in the pecking order. If Brisbane can hold onto their list, there isn’t a spot in the first XI for Reardon and he should be moved on.
Season score: 7/10
Brisbane turned their season around come January. The poor form they showed early wore off and the side finally began to click and play good football to climb up the ladder and sit comfortably in fourth position.
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