Brisbane Roar are quickly embarking on a football record that could see the Hyundai A-League club not only topple all existing professional football code records in Australia but challenge records held in major European leagues.
Brisbane Roar are quickly embarking on a football record that could see the Hyundai A-League club not only topple all existing professional football code records in Australia but challenge records held in major European leagues.
Having already surpassed the undefeated streaks held by NSL and VFL (AFL) teams from the 1980s and 1950s respectively, Brisbane are now looking to surpass the last major record in their way – the Eastern Suburbs, now known as the Sydney Roosters, NSWRL (NRL) record of 35 games unbeaten, held since 1936.
If the Roar can get past Hyundai A-League heavyweights Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, they could equal this record at Suncorp Stadium against Wellington Phoenix in Week 6.
In the modern era of football few teams have been able to achieve such winning ways, with some noted exceptions – including the La Liga record of held by Real Sociedad (38 matches, 1979-1980), English Premier League (EPL) club Arsenal (49 matches, 2003-2004) and Italian Serie A superpower AC Milan (58 matches, 1991-1993 ).
While the EPL and Serie A records seem out of sight for Brisbane, the La Liga record of 38 games undefeated is within reach and would mean the Roar could match this in Week 10.
With many overseas clubs building huge followings derived from their domestic and international success, Brisbane will be looking to do the same as they march towards their Australian record of undefeated matches in all professional football codes.
Longest undefeated streak in NSL/HAL history:
Brisbane Roar 2010-2011 31 games (ongoing)
Previous longest undefeated streak in NSL/HAL history
Apia Leichhardt 1986-1987 22 games
Longest undefeated streak in VFL/AFL history:
Geelong 1952-1953 23 games
Longest undefeated streak in NSWRL/NRL history:
Eastern Suburbs 1936-1937 35 games
Longest undefeated streak in all English professional football leagues:
Arsenal 2003-2004 49 games
Longest undefeated streak in Italian professional football leagues:
AC Milan 1991-1993 58 games
Longest undefeated streak in Spanish professional football leagues:
Real Sociedad 1979-1980 38 games
Did you know?
Mark Shield-s first Hyundai A-League column was published last week, to read more click here
