The heights of the 2010/11 season almost set the Roar up for failure in 2011/12, so dominant were they the previous year that anything they did following up would be hard to match it, but to their credit they kept on flying high at the start of the season.
The heights of the 2010/11 season almost set the Roar up for failure in 2011/12, so dominant were they the previous year that anything they did following up would be hard to match it, but to their credit they kept on flying high at the start of the season.
Ange Postecoglou-s men extending their unbeaten streak to an Australian record of 36 before crashing and burning against Sydney FC and a wet and wild WIN Jubilee Stadium.
From there they lost their mojo, some said they were too arrogant, others said they lost their confidence, the general consensus was that they struggled without German maestro Thomas Broich pulling the strings in the midfield and that Besart Berisha was suffering a form slump in front of goal.
From there they fought back, nearly even reeled in a seemingly and ultimately unassailable Mariners lead in the race for the Premier-s Plate. But as is becoming customary they rolled the Mariners in the finals and produced a trademark last gasp miracle to down Perth Glory, in controversial circumstances in the Grand Final.
Defence
Captain Matt Smith had another stellar season at the back for the Roar and got his name mentioned as a potential future Socceroo, other defenders Ivan Franjic, Shane Steffanuto and Mohamed Adnan were solid, Adnan even having a Goal of the Year contender with his free-kick against Sydney FC at Brisbane.
While the back four were solid it-s fair to say goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos didn-t have his best season. He was still solid, but not outstanding and his howler against Sydney FC at Kogarah wasn-t one he-ll want on his highlights reel, but 28 goals conceded in 27 games is a good record.
Midfield
Here is where the Roar once again tore other teams apart with their quick feet and precision passing. Erik Paartalu was so good he earned a Socceroos call-up, blossoming in his role as a holding midfielder. In defence he was solid, while going forward his ability to unlock a defence with precise passing was remarkable to watch.
Mitch Nichols turned into a goal machine, bagging nine from the midfield to be second behind Besart Berisha at the club, Massimo Murdocca was solid and worked hard, and then there was Thomas Broich.
The German frequently mesmerised opposition defences and set up countless raids for the Roar with his trickery on the ball and mastery of the game. Broich of course would go on to win the Johnny Warren Medal, but perhaps what was noticed the most was how badly the Roar struggled when he wasn-t there.
Attack
Impossible to knock this, the Roar scored 50 goals in the regular season and Besart Berisha was a revelation up front, scoring 19 goals to claim the Nike Golden Boot. He was ably assisted by Nichols-s nine and Henrique-s seven goals. It was fitting that the team with the most attacking style in the league scored the most goals.
Coach
Ange Postecoglou might not have won Coach of the Year honours, but he might be the best manager the league has seen, he-s also an amazing good luck charm, having never participated in a losing Grand Final as a professional player or coach.
Just how much the Roar miss him now he is heading south to take over the rabble that is the Victory remains to be seen, and Rado Vidosic faces a huge challenge to take over from him.
Ange Postecoglou: 27 games, 14 wins, 6 losses, 7 draws; 49 points from a possible 63.
Brisbane Roar Overall Grade: A
