The Brisbane Roar youth machine is up and running again. After a few years of confusion and lack of direction, the conveyer belt of young players are once more providing for the Roar on the main stage.
This trust in youth became synonymous in the early years of the A-League, with players such as Robbie Kruse, Tommy Oar, Tahj Minnecon and Michael Zullo all bursting onto the scene with varying levels of success.
However, the recent years since the Ange Postecoglou era has seen a stale feeling engulf the club. Questions were asked, where were the Ben Halloran’s, the Dario Vidosic’s?
While his time at the club may not be classed as historical or memorable, Frans Thijssen did leave a lasting legacy at Brisbane, blooding Devante Clut, Brandon Borrello, Shannon Brady, Corey Brown, Lachlan Jackson and Nick D’Agostino, whipromoting James Donachie to a regular position. It may have been through necessity, or it could have been due to Thijssen’s previous coaching experience with youth setups in the United Arab Emirate and Qatar, or more recently FC Twente’s Under-23 side, that he saw the true value of playing the ‘kids’. Whatever the reason, Thijseen took the first steps in revitalising the squad and creating a younger team for the future, even if his style of play, ability to get results, or all round media performance left aspects to be desired.
Up steps John Aloisi, in many respects the perfect manager for this situation. In the few years of coaching he has, the majority has been spent with youth teams and younger player development across both Melbourne teams. So what is his first move as the new manager? He signs Jamie Maclaren, one of, if not the best young up and coming striker in the country. The young hitman pointed towards Aloisi as a defining factor in his decision, as well that the fact that he was immersing himself in a youthful and vibrant squad. This decision has reaped rewards so far, with Maclaren having three goals and two assists in the first four games of the season, not to mention an eight-goal preseason and goals for the Olyroos against Turkey.
Each of these players now command respect throughout the league and are making the steps up into the national setup. Maclaren and Brown have been selected for the latest Olyroos squad. Question marks hang over the reasons for Borrello’s exclusion, even though he now stands as the top scorer of the league with four goals, equalling his tally from last season.
This creates a stark difference to the current cycle of Brisbane’s opponents this weekend, Sydney FC. The current league-leaders have built a team around experience, with only three players from last weekend’s starting lineup being aged beneath 25, compared to Brisbane who had five. Sydney’s front line consists of players that are all over the age of 30. Graeme Arnold has been smart with his transfer dealings, looking to create a stable and productive team that gets the results and knows what is required. This has payed dividends over the last year, as Sydney reached the Grand Final and is now this season’s pace setters.
[interaction id=”563a0a1d38b6556b2c53a263″]
But this is what makes this weekend’s game so intriguing. It is the young gun team from Queensland, against currently one of the best in the league. After wins against questionable opponents, including the Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast, this is a real marker of Brisbane’s season. The almost intrinsic connections between Borrello, Hingert and Maclaren will be put to the test against the experienced likes of Milos Dimitrijevic and Jacques Faty. Young Daniel Bowles (a player originally considered a makeshift centre-back) will have to contend with the A-League’s second highest scorer of all time, Shane Smeltz, in a true test of character.
Across the field this promises to be an exhilarating match. The winners will take a mental advantage into the rest of the season, but be aware, youthful exuberance and a lack of fear within a football team always counts for more than one may think. The years ahead look promising if Brisbane can continue the tradition of trusting quality young players.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
