Roar 4 - Wolves 1

 The Roars mounted a come from behind win after the Wolves scored against the run of play shortly before half time. Only heroics from Wolves' keeper Adrian Ghidella  had kept the game scoreless to that point.  The Roar fielded a strong team With Mundy, Moore, Devere and McJosh in defence, Sarota, Nichols and Tiatto in midfield with Van Dijk up front and Kruse and Henrique alternating wings. 

Its comforting to see the 433 being used in preseason after watching Farina persisting with a midfield diamond for half the season last term only to return almost too late to the 433 which had been so successful for the roar in the previous season.  

Its never wise to draw too many conclusions from preseason matches (yep I'm looking at you Fury fans, its going to be ok... really...perhaps), the pitches are substandard (cow paddock today), the players are still regaining match fitness and the coaches are experimenting with lineups and tactics. However there were some interesting selection battles playing out particularly among the fringe squad members.

Lets start with the big one, Robbie Kruse. Having read about his impressive showing in earlier matches we were pleased to see Kruse in the starting line up and he did not disappoint. He appears to have put on some bulk and used his new found strength to bring a more physical approach to his game. Tracking back and holding of challenges, he appears less sulky and tougher (that might just be because he has ditched that head-band arrangement). He and the lively Henrique provided an almost constant threat from wide and were the main creators in the first half. We hope that Kruse can replicate this kind of form on the big stage as he is an entertaining player to watch.

Matt Mundy worked hard at right back bombing forward to link with Kruse at every opportunity. His distribution was a little erratic but his defending and endeavor was first rate. Although Mundy will have his work cut out breaking into the first choice back four, he looks to be the perfect versatile utility defender to provide cover right across the back four and will surely get plenty of chances to shine this season. Mundy brings a strong, all action physical presence to the right flank, the news is not good for Ben Griffin.  

Adam Sarota also covered plenty of ground but still appears a little light wight in the center of midfield. While he was tidy enough here, there must be doubts over his strength and pace at a-league level. 

Bob Malcolm came on shortly before half time for Tiatto (hopefully nothing serious there) and despite our secret wish that he would not, looked every inch exactly the midfield enforcer the Roar require. Early rumors that Malcolm was being considered primarily to partner Moore in central defence were disappointing given Luke Devere's outstanding progress, but here in central midfield Malcolm dominated, tackling well and maintaining possession with clever distribution. 

Isaka Cernak came on in the second half and provided plenty of headaches for the Wolfs wide defenders flitting from wing to wing and showing moments of outrageous athleticism. Expect Cernack to get some game time this season despite the heavy competition from Henrique and Kruse. 

Finally and perhaps most impressively, Luke Brattan came on for the last 15 minutes or so. It was TRD's first glimpse of the lad at senior level level and from his first touch he looked assured and capable. Slotting into a deepish role in central midfield, Brattan kept things very neat and tidy and even sent a series of accurate raking 30 yard passes out to Cernak on the left wing. He did not give the ball away once and played a significant role in the last goal by playing a cool pass to put Charlie Miller through to earn what seemed to be a pretty soft penalty. 

Brattan could be the suprise of the season. With Murdocca injured and Mackay not yet certain to return from China, Brattan's chance may come sooner than anyone expected but the 18 year looks ready for the challenge.  

With just over a month to go and such heavy competition for places, its hard to believe that Farina is clear on what his strongest team is - we certainly have no idea. The Celtic game will provide a tougher test for those on the edge.

Goals: Moore 1, Van Dijk 3.

Comments

[Dave]

Looks like a good game! Where was the invite to join! :)

[Ed]

Hey Dave,

I did some bonding with my Dad for his birthday. I think he is still a little concerned that its a girlds game, but he seemed to ahve a good time. He has got a bigger zoom lens than me, so looking forward to lookign at his pics.

[john]

Excellent piece Ed well done. We should try to meet up this season.

A few comments:

- Kruse's contract runs to 30/6/9 so we should see movement soon. Question could be how much they pay Malcolm. Surprised Kruse knocked back youth marque from Wellington. can't see Brisbane paying anthing like that.

- Malcolm. It appears that FFA have changed the rules and all teams - not just new ones - can have 5 foreigners plus a guest. I guess they complained at Miron getting an advantage.

Do you know why Brisbane were playing in last year's strip? Is it possible they are changing their mind?

What did you think of Mitch? The BRFC website gave him a great wrap.

[Ed]

Thanks John,

I think the strip is going to be debuted at the Celtic game to officially kick off the new season.

Mitch did well but was frustrated by wolves packing the central areas, he is best with channels to run I recon. Big season for him but so much competion for attacking midfielders!

Kruse has a similar problem with competion but had more room to move on the weekend. I hope he stays.

Will catch up this season for a beer before a game I recon.

I share your reservations about malcom, but he will scare the bollocks of many A-League midfielders.