Young excellence, promotion battles, and a happy farewell: The Australian team of the week from players around the globe
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Brisbane have locked rising duo Luke Brattan and Dimitri Petratos into long-term deals that will keep them with the A-League champions until 2017.
The pair, who both played key starting roles in the Roar’s championship success last season, agreed to contract extensions through to the end of the 2016-17 season.
After failing to have former Roar midfielder Aaron Sarota released for a return from his Dutch club Utrecht FC, Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey was delighted to nail down Brattan and Petratos for the next three seasons.
“Luke and Dimi are two players who grew before our eyes last season,” Mulvey said.
“They both made telling contributions to our team’s success and I’m absolutely delighted they’ve decided to extend their time with Brisbane Roar.”
Brattan has been a part of the Roar set-up since 2008, but only grabbed a starting berth under Mulvey in January last year.
The 24-year-old holding midfielder finished third in the A-League’s best and fairest count in 2013-14 and also sealed the premier’s plate for the Roar with his 90th-minute thunderbolt against Melbourne Victory.
Petratos, 21, also blossomed under Mulvey in Brisbane, scoring five goals last season, including a hat-trick against his former club Sydney FC on Boxing Day.
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Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
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