Forget last season’s grand final win, forget the dominant 2010-2011 side which came back from the jaws of defeat to clinch what many believe to be the greatest A-League grand final in its short history.
Forget the unbeaten 36 game run, forget Ange Postecoglou, just forget the past two seasons of football; Brisbane Roar will win 2012-2013.
Why?
Because Brisbane Roar are from Brisbane! No disrespect to the other states and territories, but in Queensland there is this sense of Queenslander that lies even within the most unexpected of people.
Michael Theo (formerly known as Theoklitos), is from Victoria and loves Brisbane, recently signing a five year contract and stating, “I know I’m from Melbourne but now we’re Queenslanders, we’ve loved it since day one and the club has been great to us.”
Thomas Broich, the German, who in his early days was considered “bearer of hope” for the German National team, unfortunately incurred a foot injury which left him unavailable to play in the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.
After this his football career was in limbo, with the pressure of representing his country and poor relationships with coaches eventually leading him to Brisbane Roar, where he would find his feet once again.
And last but not least Besart Berisha, the energetic, hot-headed Albanian who lights up the park with his fearless running and consistent desire to score, score, score!
Even he has found a home in Brisbane. In late February 2012, he signed an extended two year contract and in the process stated, “I’ve played at high level and at small level in Europe but the most I’ve ever enjoyed my football is here now in Brisbane so there’s no reason to change anything.
“Everything around me – the team is amazing, the club is fantastic and professional, the staff as well… it’s just a pleasure to work here.”
But Berisha really summed up the feeling of most at the club saying, “I really feel well – I’ve found friends, I’ve found people who really care for other people and especially the team, we really stick together and it’s really a pleasure to be here.”
Under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou, Brisbane Roar were transformed into the most dynamic, self-motivated, structured and influential football team Australian football has seen since the days of the National Soccer League.
Prior to their dominance, Brisbane Roar possessed a team to win a premiership, though lacked self-discipline and consistency in their approach to football. The other aspect that affected their chances was the lack of trust, connection and respect between players and coach.
One man who has been there since day dot, would wait quietly in the wings, bide his time and take the opportunity when it presented itself. Rado Vidosic, a man who knew football and would implement his tactical genius approach and think outside of the box.
I could ramble on about how great the team has been over the past two seasons, but that is a whole other story in which I would detail each statistic in which they dominated, which is almost every statistic in the A-League, but I don’t need to.
Without a doubt, Postecoglou’s time aided significantly the development of Vidosic, and while Postecoglou was at the helm, Brisbane developed their core philosophy for playing football.
This consisted of respect, team unity, passion, a never say die attitude, fun and most of all focusing on how they played and not always the score board. Wouldn’t exactly call it simple but it covers what the game is all about!
The current crop of players want to play for Brisbane, they want to stay in Brisbane and they want to create something memorable that in 20 years’ time, the A-League and teams within it will turn around and say they led the way in changing the way Australian football is viewed.
Forgetting all past achievements, this is simply why Brisbane Roar will become the first team in Australian sport since the Brisbane Lions to win three grand finals in a row.
hehehe
Guest
Interesting halftime score for roar v the wanderers.
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
Personally, don't fancy the Breakers so far this year, although from what I hear slow starts for them are pretty common. Happy to Perth teams right in contention for each of these leagues though! Just need to try and fix the Fever and Force!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Having a habit of passing it around rather than knocking it long is a good habit to have - advantages of keeping a winning formula/team together for the long haul...
dinoweb
Roar Guru
Ballymore, I agree entirely. Brisbanes success so far has been built on possession, patience, and building the play. I was concerned a little after the Perth match, that they were moving too far away from that successfull formula, but I felt the balance between the old and new was just about right against MV. I didn't get to watch the match against Wellington so can't really comment. I feel though, if things don;t go their way, they will revert back more to the style of the past two seasons. Two years of habit are hard to just throw away, and there have been few enough changes that the senior elements of the team should be able to keep things ticking along as the situation requires.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It would be fair to say that you are exhibiting some wee smidgens of parochialism, however in a sporting context that is rather healthy.
BRfan
Guest
an article in favour of the Brisbane Roar, it is a change from reading how Victory were going to secure the titles this year as soon as Ange was signed and then Flores came on after Kewell's departure and it was the second coming. now MV fans have turned to 'its a year in progress and maybe next year' once they saw how little progress had been made in 5 months Ange had with them.
Ian
Guest
made that one up too hey AVictory! reread those comments on that Brisbane Roar article to refresh your Melbourne Victory memory
obvious Brisbane Roar fan
Guest
as i recall flores has rolled around a bit this season and got booked for diving, and harry kewell admitted to diving when at the victory. nothing like yesterday's team bagging the current benchmark. last time i checked berisha may have carried on after the penalty against liam miller was awarded for tripping but every expert said there was no dive and it was a legitimate penalty. but its always nice to know victory fans can grant the football community in general and roar fans the privilege of saying the roar can play wonderful football. what we do without melbourne victory? oh yeah, the a-league would disintegrate. we all need a team to hate i suppose.
Dexxter
Guest
Actually, if NZ dont manage to do that, Perth Heat in the ABL (Australian Baseball League) could do it by winning their third championship in a row in the 2012-13 season. I think this is actually far more likely to occur than Roar or the Breakers doing it.
Dexxter
Guest
Interesting that if Brisbane Roar dont become the first team in Australian sport since the Brisbane Lions to win three grand finals in a row, the NZ Breakers could achieve that very same thing in the NBL if they defend their past 2 titles.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Ben Halloran has been amazing since his arrival at Brisbane Roar. His runs down the wing whilst being fed by the likes of Broich, Nichols or Paartalu are just pure class. Unfortunately he hasn't scored any goals but even he is looking just as threatening as the rest of the boys to score. Nichols throughout the offseason had a trile with Randers FC, in which he impressed highly but wasn't offered a contract due to the coach which led the side to promotion, being sacked. He also got a minor surgery for an ankle problem which is showing how is moving a bit more fluid and not like a truck. Dinoweb, I like how you emphasise 'team.' Because they are a team with so much more potential and ability to take the A-League to greater heights. It won't be easy but competition is increasing dramatically.
AVictory
Guest
So Ange did build a dynasty after all ;) And some of the Brisbane public said he lied!
Philip Coates
Roar Guru
It's true that when Berisha and Broich aren't diving around and carrying on with the theatrics, Brisbane do play wonderful football. But it's a bit early to be calling it a done deal on them winning the Championship. Perth look solid. CCM will be up there (don't know how, but they are always up there), and even if it takes Ange half a season to get Victory into shape, they could make the finals with growing confidence in what they are doing and enough talent to cause problems.
Ballymore
Guest
Dinoweb, Do you have any concerns that Rado's freedom might see pointless long balls creep into our game? I'd hate for that to become our default style of moving the ball upfield.
dinoweb
Roar Guru
Back on topic, can Brisbane win again? As a Roar fan, I was cautiously optimistic preseason, but now feel much more positive. The defence so far looks as solid as I have ever seen it. Jurman in particular has really stepped up his game. I can't believe he's the same player. In attack, 3 goals from 3 games would suggest Berisha will not suffer from the second season blues. Add in Ben Halloran, and Brisbane are going to be tesing out a lot of defences as the season rolls on. In midfield, Broich still looks a class above. Can't wait to see him on the park with Del Piero! Nichols also seems to be finding the consistency to go with his undoubted potential. As for the rest of the team, they've all started really well, and seem to be relishing the extra attacking freedom Rado has given them. For me, despite a slightly sluggish start, Brisbane still look to be the team (and I emphasise team) to beat. I can't see any other side with the all around ability of the Roar.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I'm talking about the only Brisbane Roar there is, the one that are playing in the 2012-2013 season. Each game they have played this season, they have dominated in most facets for every game. Only in one game have they not won, and I don't take anything away from Perth, but it was a fairly even contest right down to the wire in which Perth were out for redemption and were very lucky to walk away with all three points. I honestly feel as though up until Billy Memhet scored, a draw was deserving for both sides, but the result is what it is. It may be too early to tell, and I shall live by the sword and die by the sword as they say, but one loss is not a concerning issue. Brisbane Roar will surely lose more matches just like the rest of the competition. This years season so far has been extremely competitive but I feel as though Brisbane just have the goods even after three games. They aren't the bookmakers favourite's for no reason.
Realfootball
Guest
Well, it depends on what Brisbane we are talking about. The team that demolished Victory would have to be favourites. The team that played Perth and Wellington would only be an outside chance at best. Will be interesting to see which Brisbane turns up to play at the next 2 home games.
Chuck
Guest
Wow - some well thought out and honest debate? How rare. I should have come to this site a long time ago. In my opinion, the team crowned Champion/Premier should be the team at the top of the ladder come the end of the season. As a Brisbane fan and after last season I still feel this way. As dinoweb said, it's tough to say you would trade one for the other, especially after being amongst that brilliant crowd for the second year running. While I hope Australian football one day aligns itself with the other leagues around the world, not only in this regard but a number of other issues (where do I start...), I don't feel the Australian public can grasp the notion of a league without a grand final, just yet. I also believe the grand final and finals series is a great marketing tool, quite a necessary one at that, to help build the much needed awareness of our sport around the country. Football is still a tiny seed in Australia, as frustrating as it is, but we'll get there one day!
Griffo
Roar Guru
In order to compete in the ACL, you must first qualify for it. If you don't qualify by being Premieres, then you have to make the Grand Final or win it. It seems crazy to dismiss your own domestic competition for the ACL, but while competing in the 2012 edition the Mariners had already qualified for the 2013 edition by being A-League 7 Premiers. I wonder if the sentiments would be slightly different if Arnold had to make the Grand Final in order to qualify for the 2013 edition. J-League teams really have to decide if they concentrate on domestic or ACL glory. As some of our teams get structures and consistency in place, I wonder if they will have to make the same decisions as their Japanese counter-parts - sacrificing qualification for the next ACL edition in order to be competitive in the current one. While we struggle to consistently make the ACL Final, we will probably try and win both still, even if that is a taller mountain to climb.
Towser
Guest
Moolah=hooplah in todays world. If the cash for participating at all levels of the ACL could be raised to even a third of the ECL level,the value of being A-League Premiers would be elevated. As it stands now its a paupers comp in comparison. I also believe it should have been left as a pure knockout competition for a while till established. If memory serves me correctly the predecessor to the ECL was purely knockout until not too long ago,when it adopted the current format. You could argue that connections through history(good & bad) made it easier to set up instant football rivalries throughout Europe as opposed to a massive(geographic wise) area such as Asia. Money would therefore go a long way in making up for the lack of traditional rivalries IMO.