The Central Coast Mariners may have claimed a ‘psychological victory’ over Brisbane while Gold Coast United are feeling ‘invincible’, but Roar defender Ivan Franjic says his side is still the top dog in the Hyundai A-League.
Brisbane’s dream season rolled on last Saturday night, as they came from behind to draw 2-2 with a fired-up Mariners outfit, in the process securing a home grand final and extending their undefeated run to 27 games.
But the Mariners’ performance in the spirited clash at Suncorp Stadium had many reassessing their estimate of the Premiers as certainties for the double.
The Roar were below their best, but credit had to go to the Mariners, who went blow for blow with their highly fancied opponents, demanding plenty from the Brisbane defence, which had rarely been tested throughout the regular season.
Brisbane skipper Matt McKay looked a picture of frustration at times, flapping his arms and demanding better, as his side failed to meet their premium standards. And he wasn’t the only Roar player who looked flustered and unaccustomed to the pressure.
Ultimately, the Roar had the quality and strength of character to come from behind and book their place in the Championship decider, preserving their flawless record at home in 2010-11.
The even-keel contest, in which Brisbane actually registered more attempts on goal than their opposition, has piqued the interest of many, with the Mariners in particular buoyed by perceived cracks in Brisbane’s armour.
Ivan Franjic, heralded in sections of the media as a future Qantas Socceroo in recognition of his brilliant season, says the Roar are out to prove their superiority on grand final day, prepared and willing to face either opponent.
“Whoever we play, we play, and we just worry about our own game,” he said on Monday.
“We don’t really read into media, but to be honest, we came from 2-0 down (against the Mariners) and came back to 2-2, so if anyone has the psychological advantage, it’s us.”
“It’s up to the players to choose what they read and what they believe.”
“I believe if we keep playing the way we’re playing there’s no reason why we can’t (put on a show). We’ve played well all season and I’ll back us against any team.”
Franjic also implored the Brisbane public to turn up in droves for the decider on March 13, crediting their crowd of 25,168 against the Mariners for delivering a significant advantage.
“It’s a one-off game, the first grand final in Brisbane for 14 years, so we’re expecting a reasonable crowd.”
“The crowd’s like a 12th player; once they get behind you, like in the second half (Central Coast), it’s dynamite how loud they were.”
“It’ll be a great advantage the bigger the crowd is.”
