- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Ten weeks into 2012/13 A-League campaign, no one would have thought that Brisbane Roar would have been struggling for form and belief after two consecutive championships.
That is why it was a shock when 10 weeks in Brisbane were bottom of the table, about to have a managerial change and with unhappy supporters left wondering what had gone wrong.
At this stage I was quick to write-off the Roar. I thought they lacked discipline and they had lost that hunger for goals. That loss of hunger resulted in 1-0 defeats in games where they dominated possession but lacked penetration.
However, I thought the Brisbane that walked onto Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday looked like the Brisbane that won back-to-back championships.
The aspect that really stood out to me was their willingness to get forward quickly, and if they lost the ball they would press high and force the ball back.
The finishing displayed by Brisbane in the first half was outstanding. Bratten’s wonder finish was outstanding; one of the best strikes I’ve seen all year. Franjic’s goal was a nicely timed run, which set up an easy finish.
I thought the defending was solid and never looked like cracking, a strong point of Brisbane’s season.
Injuries are going to be the main obstacle for the Roar. If they can get Broich and Bratten on the park they will be a big chance to beat Western Sydney Wanderers in the semi-final.
I think the big thing that Brisbane needs to cope with in Western Sydney will be the crowd. The fans have been the heart of WSW this year, and a sold-out Parramatta Stadium will be a daunting task for Mulvey’s men.
I believe WSW will be surprised by the intensity of finals football, and Brisbane may have the opportunity to surprise WSW early before they adjust to the tempo and settle into their game-plan.
So, do you think Brisbane will pull off a three-peat?
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.