After an incredible 15-month period of breathtaking football, in which a brilliant 36-game run saw Ange Postecoglou’s troops noted in the record books for eclipsing Eastern Suburbs’ 74-year-old record of 35 matches without defeat, the Roar has plummeted to a new low.
Brisbane’s current five-game losing run is not only unprecedented, given the circumstances, nor is it simply the club’s worst streak of results in its short history. It represents an abrupt and powerful shift in perception and legacy.
Only a month ago, the Roar was widely depicted as the best team to have played domestic football in Australia, and as one of the best sporting sides of any code in the nation’s proud history of sport.
Over the course of a year, Postecoglou enhanced the standard of football throughout the competition, raising the benchmark for excellence tactically and technically.
He instilled trepidation in the opposition and raised the Brisbane brand to new heights.
The Roar was slowly being moulded into the Manchester United of the A-League, casting a fearsome shadow across the competition, playing the role of playground bully, intimidating, robust and proactive.
Consistently dismissing any impediment, the world was at the Roar’s feet.
Postecoglou’s football ethos, which includes a possession-based game, high levels of patience to unlock the defence, playing the ball out from the back, an elevated reliance on team unity and cohesion, and an ability to implement the coach’s instructions, were the underpinning reasons for the Roar’s success.
But since the historic day on November 26, 2011, where Brisbane claimed its national record, the south-east Queensland outfit has been a shadow of its former self.
The facets which made Brisbane a formidable force – workrate, creativity, discipline, fluency, and ruthlessness – have all but flown out the window.
Postecoglou’s men have only scored two goals in their past five outings, leaking nine in the process.
Since breaking the record, playmaker Thomas Broich has been a notable absentee. There’s no doubt that his presence has a substantial impact on the proceedings.
While the talismanic German is perhaps the best player in the A-League, and winner of last season’s Johnny Warren Medal, it’s astounding that a team like Brisbane cannot find a winning formula without one star player.
The responsibility shouldn’t be solely on Broich to rectify Brisbane’s campaign, considering Postecoglou’s focus is on a team game, rather than individual flair in the style of Melbourne Victory.
Despite its form, it would be folly to totally discount Brisbane from the championship race or from a highly creditable performance in the Asian Champions League.
This is a team that has galvanised Australian football and given the sceptics a reason to take a stronger interest in our premier competition.
While Melbourne Victory has had a turbulent campaign, mired in mid-table mediocrity and unable to reap the rewards of its star-studded list, it will pose a stern assignment for the Roar, who face Harry Kewell’s side in a New Year’s Eve clash.
It’s not all doom and gloom though for the reigning champions, sitting third on the table. 14 games remain to resurrect their domestic campaign, while the ACL is a competition Postecoglou holds in high esteem. He will expect as a minimum progression into the knockout stages.
The Brisbane boss has proven his credentials to win the local competition, although his biggest test lies in front of him.
Coaching can be an arduous job, and when the chips are down, it can seem like an impossible venture. This is the time to exemplify why he’s Australia’s elite football tactician.
He must find a solution to revive the side’s fortunes by instilling confidence in the playing group, and use his experience, knowledge and tutorship skills to full potential.
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