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There is a sense amongst many A-League fans that this season’s championship is a contest between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, much like Version II of the A-League. However, ignore the Queensland Roar at your peril.
Frank Farina’s men are hitting top form at the right end of the season and are genuine contenders for the title.
Their terrible home form throughout the majority of the season was the main talking point of the team’s campaign.
It masked what is one of the most impressive squads in the A-League, one with depth and an impressive mix of youth and experience.
As they rediscovered winning form at Suncorp, the Roar came into contention, securing a finals berth with an outside chance, depending on Melbourne and Adelaide’s results, of securing an Asian Champions League berth by claiming the premiership.
Led by inspirational captain Craig Moore’s example of bravery on and off the pitch, the Roar lays claim to some of the most impressive and dynamic players in the league.
The midfield options of Michael Zullo, Massimo Murdocca, Matt McKay, Mitch Nichols, Hyuk-Su Seo, not to mention the experience of Danny Tiatto and the promise of Thomas Oar, is for mine the best and deepest midfield in the A-League.
Then there is Charlie Miller, one of the stars of this season, who has now recovered from his hernia operation and, should he stay fit, will play a key role in the finals, with his big match experience from his time at Rangers.
A match winner like Miller is an invaluable asset come sudden-death final matches.
There is also Sergio van Dijk, who has hit top form after a slow start to his career in Australia, the in-form striker of the A-League at present.
Moore, McKay and Zullo were also rewarded for their form with a call up to the Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia.
With sights set on the finals, the Roar’s recent form has been impressive.
They were unlucky not to take the full points at Hindmarsh Stadium against fellow contenders Adelaide United, while the 3-1 victory over Sydney FC at home typified just how far the team has come this season.
In front of a season high 19,111 crowd, the Roar attacked with flair and sent a warning to the Victory and the Reds.
While the focus has very much been on the two Southern frontrunners, the Roar should not be discounted in the finals series.
Frank Farina deserves credit for this turnout, having re-invented himself and his reputation as a coach after his Socceroos spell.
A successful campaign this season was critical for the Roar franchise.
They needed to start building momentum with the Gold Coast and North Queensland Fury joining the competition next season, potentially robbing the Roar of valuable market space and fan base.
The 19,000 plus crowd at Suncorp demonstrated how important winning is for this franchise. This momentum could not have come at a better time for those in orange.
Queensland Roar has already claimed the W-League crown and the youth team lies second in the league.
What are the odds of an historic clean sweep this season?
Not as unlikely as some may think.