Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan says his sweetly-struck goal against Adelaide United was conceived, though not practiced, on the training ground during the week.
Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan says his sweetly-struck goal against Adelaide United was conceived, though not practiced, on the training ground during the week.
Brattan’s 27th minute volley in the Elimination Final at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday sent Brisbane on their way to a 2-1 victory, earning them the right to play Western Sydney Wanders for a place in the A-League Grand Final.
Brattan was confident he will be available for the Friday night clash at Parramatta Stadium, despite being withdrawn in the second half of the Adelaide game with a leg knock.
The 23-year-old’s first A-League goal came from the edge of the ‘D’ following a lofted Thomas Broich corner.
Brattan timed his right-footed swing perfectly to send the ball flying through a crowded goal mouth, and it deflected off hapless Reds defender Cassio into the back of the net.
Brattan said the set play was suggested by Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey at training.
“It was also sort of in slow motion for me,” he said.
“It was a set play. Mike came up to spoke to me about it the day before and said that Adelaide follow everyone so were going to clear the area for me.
“The ball came over and all I remember was Shane Stefanutto in my ear saying, ‘time, time, time, time’ and I just thought, nah, I’m going to hit it first time.
“So I think I closed my eyes and just hit it.
“We didn’t practice it.
“Mike just said that they were going to clear the area for me, and just to hit it, and I told Thomas to put it in the air because I’d rather it in the air than on the ground.
The deep-lying playmaker, who has excelled for the Roar since Erik Paartalu’s departure in January opened up a spot in midfield for him, said the injury he received against Adelaide would not keep him out of Friday’s Semi Final.
“It’s alright. Just below the knee he got me. It’s not as bad as Thomas and Jacko (Hingert), so I’ll be fine, it’s just a cork and a couple of grazes,” Brattan said.
