Few Hyundai A-League sides have proven a challenge for the Brisbane Roar in 2010-11, but Shane Stefanutto says the team has continued to improve thanks to a healthy rivalry between the left side and right side of their 4-3-3 formation.
“Left side, strong side,” said PFA executive member Stefanutto when presenting fellow left-side player Thomas Broich with his Team of the Year trophy at Suncorp on Wednesday.
The saying, taken from award-winning Gridiron film Remember the Titans, refers to a commitment between Stefanutto, Broich and midfielder Matt McKay to be the team’s superior flank.
And while Ivan Franjic, Mitch Nichols and Kosta Barbarouses are a fantastic trio in their own right, it would be hard to find a combination stronger than the Roar’s left-side in the entire league.
Broich and McKay finished second and third, respectively, to Adelaide United’s Marco Flores in voting for the Johnny Warren Medal, and former Qantas Socceroo Stefanutto gives nothing away, supporting from the back.
“There’s always a bit of rivalry between the left and right in our club, and it’s a healthy rivalry,” said Stefanutto.
“It was good to see Matty and Thomas make team of the year, because I think they definitely deserve it and they come out of our left side.”
“I think we’re a very strong. There’s recognition there for guys that have made team of the year, and I think Matty and Thomas were both in the voting for player of the year, which is voted by peers.”
Roar captain McKay confirmed the rivalry within the team, and said his current left-side team mates ranked alongside Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Josh McCloughan as the best he’d played with at the club.
“There’s been a bit of competition between ourselves and the right crew of Mitchy, Ivan and Kosta, and then Massimo (Murdocca) helps them out as well,” said McKay.
“It’s been a great year for the whole team, but these little battles are great, in that they help the team.”
“Over the past six years, it’s been great. I’ve had an abundance of left-side players that have been exceptional.”
Given their ‘right’ of reply, Franjic simply said on Twitter that the opposite flank had a habit of talking the talk.
“i don’t need to talk,” he tweeted. “Stats and goals from right side speak for themselves.”
