This season has seen plenty of highs and indeed lows for both Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar.
We have seen the emergence of talented new players, the fulfilling of potential and the reiteration that class is permanent.
This team has a mixture of Victory and Roar players across the field showcased in a 4-3-3 formation. Some players may appear to be playing out of position but that would only be because they are too valuable to leave out and have outplayed players of a similar position.
Did we miss anyone?
Jamie Young – Goalkeeper – Brisbane Roar
The former Hayes & Yeading United goalkeeper has had something of a breakout season for the Roar. While he may be 30, his hard work and courage to oust Michael Theo as the number one keeper this season has been nothing short of impressive. After struggling last year, he has gone on to keep six clean sheets in 17 games this season, compared to one in nine from Theo and the same amount as Melbourne keeper Danny Vukovic in six less games.
Jason Geria – Right-back- Melbourne Victory
Geria is a player who has this season reaped the rewards of consistency, named in the most recent Socceroos squad. The 22 year-old has now had two consistent years at senior level and has showed enough prowess to earn the recognition of the national coach. It was a tough choice between the ever-present Jack Hingert or Geria, however one cannot go past the fact that the Victory defender has earned his stripes and can now call himself an A-League regular.
Jade North – Centre-back – Brisbane Roar
North has played the role of central defensive stalwart superbly. With a new defensive partner this season, North has led the team both on and off the field. On it, he has managed a tackle success rate of 83%, while his role as vice-captain has seen him utilise a leadership position. Off, he has become the symbol for indigenous players in the A-League throughout round 26’s indigenous week. Not bad for someone who is 34 years old.
Matthieu Delpierre – Centre-back – Melbourne Victory
All A-League fans should be watching Delpierre play at every chance possible as it looks like this will be the Frenchman’s last season, a real shame for Victory and the league. The former Stuttgart defender has proved a stellar signing for Melbourne since joining in 2014. His calmness under pressure and strength in tackles have showcased a level of defending rarely seen in the A-League. Seventy per cent of aerial duels have been won while over 80% of tackles have been successful, key statistics for successful centre-backs. The Victory will have to look long and hard to find a replacement of his calibre.
Daniel Bowles – Left-back – Brisbane Roar
Yes, he has been placed in an unaccustomed position away from the centre of defence, to which spectators now associate the Brisbane player, yet highlights show far he has come in 2015-16. Bowles is naturally a wide player, but has been deployed on both the wing and the centre – his practicality has held him in good stead. Neither Daniel Georgevski nor Corey Brown have maintained a consistent run of form or exceeded expectations, paving the way for Bowles to take up a position out wide.
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Corona – Defensive-midfield – Brisbane Roar
The Spainard has been one of the finds of the season. After arriving from Almeria in Spain’s second tier, Brisbane and A-League fans were not sure what to expect from the ageing 35-year-old. In turn, he has moulded his game from an attacking midfielder to the deep-lying defensive midfielder-superbly. His ability to fulfil the final piece in Aloisi’s puzzle has seen a sigh of relief from the Roar fans. Corona currently leads the league in total passes made with an astonishing 1,684, 200 more than the next best. This has come with an 81% passing accuracy and an average of 2.2 tackles per game. He represents the key cog in the Roar’s midfield machine.
Oliver Bozanic – Defensive-midfield – Melbourne Victory
In Carl Valeri’s absence, Bozanic has been asked to step up and fill the void left by the captain, in terms of controlling the midfield and as a leader. Between winning 80% of tackles, completing 76% of take-ons and bringing the likes of Rashid Mahazi under his wing, Bozanic has had a successful return from Europe, blossoming in the latter stages of the season in particular. With Valeri back in the fold, their partnership will be something to keep a close eye on.
Dimtri Petratos – Attacking-midfield – Brisbane Roar
After so many years of touching the surface, the former Sydney FC man has finally broken through. A couple of patchy performances here and there have been drowned out by his transformation from a flying winger to a free-roaming attacking-midfielder, harnessing his pace, trickery, eye for a pass and shot power into a creative outlet. Six goals and six assists have seen his skills finally produce results, not to mention an absolute pearler of a goal against Melbourne City.
Kosta Barbarouses – Right-wing – Melbourne Victory
The New Zealand international continues to be one of the shining lights in a Victory season full of highs and lows. He has been of the utmost importance to Melbourne with seven goals, seven assists and 132 crosses, the 10th most in the league. He has managed to beat Thomas Broich as his importance to the team outweighs the German in many facets. His defection to the Wellington Phoenix next season is a huge hole for the Victory to fill, as his energy and goalscoring talents are prized by any team lucky enough to have him in its lineup.
Jamie Maclaren – Striker – Brisbane Roar
Is there a more in-form Australian striker at the moment? After transferring from Perth Glory in a move that positioned him as Brisbane’s key striker, a show of faith from Aloisi, Macalren has repaid the faith and then some. Eighteen goals in 22 games is a statistic that speaks for itself while his all-round play has improved dramatically. He is never afraid of a physical challenge and his eye for a run in behind. A start in the green and gold must be close for the clinical striker.
Brandon Borrello – Left-wing – Brisbane Roar
When talking about breakout seasons, one can go no further than Brandon Borrello. The tricky winger has gone from decent youth player to first team starter in a matter of months. While his stats only show six goals and two assists, it is consistency that has set him apart. After gaining his opportunity through an unfortunate injury to Henrique, his consistency has seen him oust the Brazilian from his starting position. At only 20 years of age, the future is bright for Borrello.
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