Brisbane Roar was very inconsistent last season, and had the oldest A-League starting XI from Rounds 20-22, with Jack Hingert (currently 27) their youngest player.
Veterans and 2017-18 starting XI members Jade North, Massimo Maccarone, Ivan Franjic and Fahid Ben Khalfallah have all departed, including solid squad members Corey Gameiro who has had lots of injury concerns, Mitchell Oxborrow and Corey Brown who had limited playing time.
Brisbane still have a mix of experienced heads (Matt McKay, Brett Holman etc.) but also include more talented youngsters (Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Stefan Mauk) in their 23.
John Aloisi has replaced the veterans with younger talent in the transfer window including Stefan Mauk, Adam Taggart with two impressive seasons for Perth, Stefan Nigro who showed promise for Melbourne Victory and NPL talent Dylan Wenzel-Halls with 23 goals in 11 matches.
They also added Tobias Mikkelsen to play out on the wing, an ideal replacement for Fahid Ben Khalfallah.
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Jamie Young
Was the goalkeeper and Brisbane’s player of the year, and deservedly so after making some top drawer saves in the past season. Is a world class keeper and should get the nod ahead of Brendan White.
Defenders: Jack Hingert, Avraam Papadopoulos, Luke DeVere, Stefan Nigro
Hingert has had the right back position for three consecutive seasons and it is unlikely to change. Pepper had a very good season, although he was injured for part of the time.
He and DeVere make an experienced centreback partnership, and it can last, as they are only 25 and 29 respectively.
Stefan Nigro started 12 games from eventual champions Melbourne Victory, and is a versatile player, who can play as a full back down both flanks or as a defensive midfielder.
He should get the left back position ahead of Connor O’Toole, as he had more game time last season, for a better side.
Centre Midfielders: Stefan Mauk, Matt Mckay
Matt McKay, 35, is still the marquee player for Brisbane Roar after a fairly quiet 2017/18 season, and Aloisi has kept him.
Still fairly solid, although it is extremely unlikely Aloisi will renew his contract after this season.
Stefan Mauk has played a lot for Melbourne City in a more attacking midfield position but his lack of goal scoring involvement will mean he will play in a deeper and more familiar central midfield position.
Attacking Midfielders: Eric Bautheac, Henrique, Tobias Mikkelsen
Bautheac will be playing his second season in the A-League, after a fairly impressive first season. Should have had more of a hand in Brisbane’s goals, however, but shows the quality of a marquee.
Henrique returned and played a fantastic Round 27 game against Perth Glory, coming on as a very early substitute. Offered a lot more than Holman did at the back-end of the season, meaning he would get a starting XI position.
Tobias Mikkelsen is a new signing and would most definitely add to Brisbane’s attack. Will be one to watch after playing most of his career in Europe. Still only 31, would be a fine addition to the squad.
Forward: Adam Taggart
Perth Glory were unhappy to see him depart as he scored nine goals in 12 appearances. Has had two impressive seasons for Perth and should lead the line for Brisbane, and effectively. Now in the peak of his powers, he could cause headaches for any A-League side.
Adam Taggart for the Socceroos. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Substitutes: Brendan White, Avraam Papadopoulos, Thomas Kristensen, Brett Holman, Nicholas D’Agostino
White is the only other goalkeeper in the squad, and there must be a goalkeeper on the bench. A mature aged rookie.
Avraam Papadopoulos is a central defender who is good in the air but missed some of the season due to suspension. Also scores fairly often.
Thomas Kristensen has been partnering Matt McKay in midfield in recent seasons but he is very old so it is likely Aloisi would put Mauk in his position instead.
Brett Holman is an experienced attacking midfielder but the arrival of Henrique challenges his position. Will most likely appear off the bench.
Roar player Brett Holman reacts after scoring a goal. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Dylan Wenzel-Halls was in hot form in the national premier league. Will appear of the bench.
Reserves: Connor O’Toole, Daniel Bowles, Dane Ingham, Joe Caletti, Shannon Brady, Nicholas D’Agostino
All of these players have been in the first team before and have played in the A-League at some point. Some with more playing time than others, but they would all be aiming to at least come off the bench. Most are young as well, and provide depth in this Brisbane Roar squad.
Except for the goalkeeping position, of course.
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