Whisper it quietly, but Brisbane Roar should be contenders under Ross Aloisi

Possibly not too many 18 year olds but……Henry Hore 22, Jez Lofthouse 21, Alex Parsons 20, Cyrus Dhemie 18, Courtney Perkins 20. Eli Adams 20, Louis Zabala 21, all playes that came to the club or were brought up from the NPL ranks during Moon’s tenure. Lofthouse made 11 appearances that season (that is more than 1 in 3 matches) that season with no goals, no assists and a terrible possession rate. Moon used him exactly the way any manager would use a new winger (ie Irankunda and Kuol), off the bench at the back end of the game. Jez was exciting, but was not effective with the time he was given, and did not lock down a regular position. It wasnt until the back half of this season that he got more of a run, when he was 12- 18months older and had been in the pro set up for the best part of 2 years. His trust in those young players are all now 2-3 years older and make up the bulk and dpeth of the current squad.

Who is under which illusions or delusions? Moon brought in Charlie Austin who were these 18-20 year olds? The only young player Moon had was Trewin 22 and out of position some of the time. Lofthouse under Moon got about 80 min under Moon, and 600 minutes under the new coach in the last third. Moon only decent season in the A-league was his first where he actually used young players and he learnt nothing from that. The massive question I have over Roar is why in Moons first season Danzaki was a star and top scorer, Akhbari was a work horse in that season with increasingly good pasing game , them became the dead horse. You have of course Corey Brown there at the time. Is the rapid and massive downfall of these youth players any way linked to bad influences at this club.

It is great to see he and Moon brought in some great youngsters, but lets not be under any illusion, those boys are only in the squad because the Roar cant afford to buy anyone older or more experienced. Now I don’t have a problem with that, I much prefer to see a new batch of 18 – 20 years olds in the comp every year rather than the same 25-27 years being rehashed at yet another A League club, but these decisions have born from necessity, not strategy.

They will be lucky if Ross Aloisi is ever in that position more like it. Maybe the complaint will be he rests his players for the final match for an Australia cup play off and gets the wooden spoon.

See this is the news we really need to hear. As a long suffering Jets supporter, loyal to the end, sometimes I really do wonder if there is any truth in the rumour that Con Constantino put some sort of curse on the club. But when you look at Wanderers for this season (a strong Wanderers is a stronger league) Adelaide, Victory, Sydney, City, Western, Brisbane, struth, this is going to be a really competitive season. Bring it on. only weeks to go and the football drought is over. Oh and I owe you guys an apology. As much as i dont watch EPL, I have been keeping an eye on Spurs simply because of one Mr Postecoglou. Spurs in the second half against Burnley, they are starting to get the idea of Ange-ball. Beautiful to watch. I love how you are not really hearing about Mr Guardiola, and all the talk is about Ange. An Australian is grabbing all the headlines and supposedly the World’s best Gaffer is a nobody!!!! ahahhahahahahahah lovin’ every minute of it

It’s way too early to say but the bell-weather indicator of Roar fans mood - the online comments, an area in which Roar fans are particularly active - suggests many share Mikes sentiments. The way they are playing is driving the mood although results are also a factor - and the new management team have yet to put a foot wrong which is also incredibly refreshing. The most important signing (imo) is not central to this article - it’s not Ross, it’s not a player, it’s not even the dynamic management duo sporting underpants outside their trousers … it’s the return of Luciano Trani as assistant coach. THE most underrated coach in the A Leagues. Watching the early preseason games it’s obvious the last few seasons biggest issue remains - no striker. It’s essential Roar fix that but we’re getting alarmingly close to the seasons start and that is starting to feel like Groundhog Day (another striker signed late in preseason who don’t be fit for the early rounds and when he is finally fit, the damage is done). They also need a left back/left CB .. they’re only one injury away from a defensive crisis so they need to work quickly to complete signings. The best news perhaps is the return to suncorp which has been their best marketing in 5 years. I’m surprised the APL didn’t put Roar at home first up (no, scrap that … I’m not surprised at continued poor APL decision making) - I smell a 15k crowd on their return if they can avoid deflating performance away at MacArthur in R1.

I hope the news about Montgomery going to Hibs is wrong. He is a brilliant coach who we need in the A Leagues.

Look after yourself LH. There's a lot of football to watch mate. Get well.

Who cares what kevy did with the broncs

It’s amazing what’s beginning to surface. Roar youngsters, products of their academy are showing their worth. Adelaide’s Youth lads have made it to the SA NPL final, young lads are starting to raise the eyebrows of the Belgians and the Scots. Four ALW clubs have exceeded 1000 members. I just want to say thanks to every single nameless player, coach, parent and supporter who’ve believed in Australian football over the decades. You’ve made at least one old fella very bloody happy. I look forward to the day when, in the words of the great Darryl Kerrigan (not Para), we can turn to the backyard codes and “tell em’ to get stuffed”. I’m grinning from ear to ear writing this. Where will we be in ten years!!! Wow!!!

I think we should start calling you Rex, because you are definitely fishing for a bite. :happy:

You need football minds to truly understand the game

This is what I would suggest, is a clear demonstration of the mentality of the younger generation. It’s not about them personally it’s about getting the runs on the board, about demonstrating competency and the ability to get results. That’s how they think these days.

with those links to former Roar players, they’re building family connections. And there’s more to come, apparently. Matty Smith at the Aus Cup match, the other players you mention being brought on board, these are positive signs. Our female players too, are now on long term contracts, rather than assembling a new team each year. Lots of other new initiatives for the women’s team, bringing players home et al, actioning a list of requests provided to them by the Aiysh Norrie (women’s captain) showing they do listen. They’ve only been there a month, but the new execs are certainly having a positive influence on Roar. The only pity is that the new facility at Brendale won’t be used this season, but the execs decided not to disrupt the team mid-season and stay at QSAC, a good call.

The progress the club and squad are making is very encouraging. And there are plenty of positive indicators to suggest that the Roar is definitely on the right track. Being a Foundation member, I have experienced the highs and the lows throughout the years and I can definitely sense a very encouraging and positive turn around. The comments made by Phil Moss during the broadcast of the Australia Cup Game about the positive vibes in our dressing room, compared to previous seasons, are very encouraging. The reaction from supporters (committed and intending), with nothing but smiles and positive comments after the game with Western United were another sign that the future is likely to be a bright one. The establishment of the Supporters Advisory Council is another great move and after only one meeting, the Management team has already acted upon a number of suggestions eminating from that meeting. The start of a second generation inclusion of Zane North and Rylan Brownlee is exciting particularly since the club is still relatively young. The emergence of undoubted talents like Quinn MacNicol and Thomas Waddingham bodes well for the future and we hope that theirs will be a longtime, enjoyable and rewarding association with the Roar. And let's not forget the remainder of the squad, comprising many local youngsters who have started to well and truly establish themselves at A-league level. Women's football has also firmly established itself, following the huge impact, courtesy the Matildas and their outstanding performances in the recent WWC. Supporters numbers have exploded and it looks like our Liberty team has been well selected and will be a force to be reckoned with. The return to Suncorp has hit the right note as well. Our management team led by Kaz Patafta and Zac Anderson is switched on and responsive and the vibes in the office are second to none. Everybody is committed and motivated. The Brand building project sees the return to the club of Chad Gibson our inaugural captain and his wife Cecelia and you are going to see some exciting developments in that department. Does anyone need more convincing that now is the time to book your season tickets and to fasten your seatbelts to be part of an exciting ride towards success. GO ROAR!!!!!

thanks Grem.

Thanks, I’m thinking the same. It is a great venue to watch both Football codes. Must admit I have not been out to Redcliffe, but will be getting along to Suncorp along with plenty of family and friends. Have to say I do like the appointment of Ross Aloisi as well.

We’re expecting good news for you and look forward to The Roar being just as healthy.

Stirrer

Wanderers in the Australia Cup quarter final on 16 September at Perry Park will be an early test. Health issue looks like keeping me away but it will be televised. Go Roar.