Brisbane Roar FC - Rise of the Roar

I was a mixture between nervous and excited. The first game against Sydney FC was two days away and my mind was racing and buzzing as to how exciting it will be, standing there on the touchline watching my boys play the beautiful football we were playing in the preseason. Thomas (Broich) really found his feet in the preseason alongside Henrique, who are my two creative outlets, so it'll be exciting to see them. Solaranzo gave me a scare however, injured for 3 weeks, meaning he'll miss two tough games against Sydney and the Victory. As I was sitting and reading the Sydney FC scouting report I heard a knock on the door. "Come in" I yelled out to the person knocking. In came Matt Smith, the skipper.

Me: Ahh Matt! Pleased to see you! Here, take a seat.

Matt: Cheers boss

He takes a seat right in front of me, I put the scout reports to the side and paid my attention to him.

Me: So what's on your mind mate?

Matt: Well you see boss, theres been talk about giving Matt McKay the captainship and I've been really worried see. He's beginning to be such a leadership figure in the changing rooms and I-

Me: Matt, mate, calm down, I was planning no such thing nor had I thought.

That was a lie of course, I in fact had considered handing the captaincy to McKay or Broich. But I stuck with Matt.

Me: But don't think it's forever yours, I expect your leadership qualities to hone over the season Matt, I talk to you before any other player, so make sure you're there for the players.

Matt: Of course boss, I completely agree. Thank you for the trust.

He beamed at me and I managed a smile back before he left the room, now to the scouting reports.....



Man of the Match: Henrique particularly shone in Brisbane rampant 3-0 victory over Sydney FC.

October down and I don't think I've ever been happier at a season start before. We conceded two and scored 9, which is amazing. The boys averaged 62% possession across all three games with was pleasing, and we looked the stuff of champions even without our first choice striker, Solaranzo. I'm sure other teams will only shudder when he returns to the squad. Moy was also out with injur during this time, so I couldn't play him much, but Broich wove his way in and out and kept the team running, exactly the way I like it.


Brisbane Roar vs Sydney FC (3-0)
Beto (9)
Henrique (42)
Franjic (81)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Henrique
I couldn't have asked for a better start to the season. A 3-0 trashing of a Sydney side that looked might impressive during preseason. The boys played well, Henrique stood out and shone with a captivating performance which led to an assist and a goal. Bulos didn't have the greatest game, but that didn't matter, we were to busy celebrating. We gained momentum, which was important, and we need to build off of it.

Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory (2-1)
Franjic (pen 27)
North (60)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jade North
This was a really tough game against our old striker and fan favourite Besart Berisha. However we managed to stop him completely, keeping him to a 6.3 rating in a quiet game for him. Thus the man of the match went to North, who did an outstanding job of keeping the defence in order. This was a Victory side that played well on the break, and they did manage to catch us out a fair few times, their only goal in fact coming off of a impressive counter.

Brisbane Roar vs Wellington Phoenix (4-1)
Bulos (31)
Beto (42)
North (45)
Broich (79)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Thomas Broich
Another dominant display from the boys showed just how powerful we've become. Broich was outstanding, assisting two goals, whilst North showed consistency and kept the defence in order. We dominated all parts of the game, and to be honest they scraped a goal which really wasn't deserved. The boys proved why we deserve to be at the top of the table with 9 points, and I hope we can only maintain this momentum.






Racking up 2 goals, a surprise assist, consistent defensive displays and a man of the match made my pick for player of the month Jade North. North was a commanding figure in the box, and really pleased me with his performances over the month. It was a tough choice, but his impressive record over the month put him just above the rest. Well done Jade, you've done really well for us and I hope it only continues.

Terrific form!

great start to the season mate but is a shame about the win over Victory

Great start of the season, amd I really like the graphics! Keep it up!

@Griffo: Cheers, we're gaining momentum and who knows, maybe we'll go through the season undefeated

@walkinshaw Guessing your a victory supports? :p They're doing well in the league though, 2nd, so all is not lost

@ASR-PSV Thanks mate, pleased to see that you enjoy the graphics

After October I wanted the team to maintain form and continue this fantastic form. The team had great chemistry, a great understanding of the tactics and they were playing well. Mark and I were especially pleased with the team progress, but for some reason Mark was beginning to seem unlike himself. I've known Mark since I was 6, and all his life he's been excited funny and energetic, with something always to say. Now he's nervous, no longer a big presence and quiet, I decided to call him up to my office to check whats up. He enters the room, and mumbles a "hello". He then sat in front of me looking more nervous. This was not Mark, and I needed to know why.

Mark: if this is about the Central Coast game I've got the reports here, I decided we should be more fluid and I-

Me: Woah there buddy, calm down, take a breath and just stop for a second.

Mark: Oh....ok

Mark looks back down nervously at his laps. What is going on? I must find out.

Me: Listen mate, I've known you almost all my life. We went through everything together, I know you almost inside out, and I know for a fact, just glancing at you, even the players have been noticing this, you're not yourself. What's up mate?

Mark doesn't respond for quite a while. I don't care. I wait for a response, I let him take as long as he wants to, he knows he has to respond.

Mark: Well....I....how can I.....

Me: Yes?

Mark: I've been in contract negotiations with another club Faisal.

My heart dropped. My insides lurched. He coudn't have. Mark? No.

Me: Mark, what are you saying...?

Mark: Faisal I wanted to tell you this before you appointed me as assistant coach, but I never got the chance, you were just always so happy. Melbourne City contacted me in regards to their poor form for a job interview. I decided I would attend, and it looked so promising. The link with Man City, David Villa, and the funds. It was the next step. You took the Roar one to progress, so I think I should take this City one.

I sat their in utter shock and depression. I suppose he was right. He was second to me for a long time, so this was his time to work as his one manager.

Me: Very well then. I understand. We can talk about this later.

Guilt surrounds his face as he gets up and walks out. I think I begin to well up a bit, I look at the reports he left. The beautifully and tactically astute detailed reports. Oh how Melbourne City will love Mark.



The Early Bird: Ivan Bulos scored 3 goals within the 10 minute mark in the games he scored.

Asides from Mark announcing his departure at the end of the month, it was a pretty decent month. One of the biggest games was the game against the Central Coast Mariners. Our biggest competitive rivals, we needed to meet them. I was happy to see Mark briefly come back to life to tell the players they better bloody win this game or he'll "f*ck them up*. Whilst it was something I wouldn't normally approve, I felt so much happier with him lighting up the place again.


Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City (3-1)
Henrique (26)
Beto (31)
Stefanutto (89)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Shane Stefanutto
I really wanted to beat the Melbourne hard after Mark said he was going there for a job. Whilst he wasn't there I disliked them for leaving. Mark was nervous on the touchline, after all, he would be soon on the touchline, telling his assistant coach to get the subs warming up. Asides from the emotional basis, it was another good performance from the boys who played well. Villa kept drifting out left, and Stefanutto contained him well, despite Villa scoring a goal anyway.

Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners (7-2)
Ivan Bulos (1, 3)
Beto (8)
Mckay (22)
Broich (37)
Davies (71)
Henrique (61)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Ivan Bulos
This was arguably our best result so far. We played them off the park with some stunning link ups, 67% possession and a game in which Ivan Buloes particularly shined alongside Broich. The team played with a positive game plan showing just why we were top of the ladder, and I was so proud of the boys. Mark was jumping and himself again and I decided I would let it flow, everything was so perfect.

Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jet (1-1)
Beto (78)
MAN OF THE MATCH: -
A disappointing result after coming off of the 7-2 thrashing against the mariners. Newcastle have been our bogey team for a while now, and I was hoping that would change but it didn't, they neutralised us in all areas, and we were lucky to get that equaliser. I told the boys that they needed to retain focus and put in a better performance than this one in the game against the Wanderers.

Brisbane Roar vs Western Sydney Wanderers (0-0)
Solaranzo
Miller
MAN OF THE MATCH: -
This game was incredibly painful to watch. Despite having most of the possession we failed to break through, and Solaranzo's return only lasted 6 minutes before he picked up another injury. The Wanderers pressed us out and had great chances of their own. Despite this I am disspointed with the draw, and think we should've won.

Brisbane Roar vs Perth Glory (3-1)
Ivan Bulos (5)
Henrique (29)
Smith (89)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Thomas Broich
Despite the 3-1 result it was actually a pretty poor game. Broich however, was absolutely outstanding, and capped off 3 assists for us which resulted in 3 goals. It just goes to show how important he is for us and how blessed we are to have him. I rotated the squad a bit more in order to give some younger players a shot and they performed well and showed that they needed a bit more time on the field before being starters. Overall it wasn't the most spectacular of games but a good result for the boys and I.

great season so far, Broich and North proving to be star performers.

chuck a ladder in lad to give us a look

@toonman8589: I want to stick with the graphic, which includes our status in all competitions, but if you really want the ladder I can include it :p

nice results mate and i second the ladder just for a quick look at the whole league

great results there, broich is a true a-league legend for sure

@walkinshaw: I'll include the ladder in the next update Thanks for the feedback

@fzemdegs: I have to agree with you there, absolute legend.

Well this was it. Mark was all packed and standing silently next to me. I was annoyed due to the fact a City correspondent insisted on going with Mark. It was weird losing Mark, he was always there all my life. I was part of a family that cared a lot for my disabled brother, and I didn't blame them. Mark was the only person I could go to, he was always there. All the time. But now he wouldn't be. Now he was leaving to do things his way, take after himself. I wasn't able to get an assistant coach in the month so I now have no assistant coach. I told Chris Fong to make it his priority to find a good one for me. But for now, I was to emotional, already missing by greatest friend who stood right beside me.

Then I heard the dreaded call.

"Passengers boarding the Qantas 11:00am flight to Melbourne may now begin to board the aircraft."

I looked at Mark, he didn't look back though.

Mark: Excuse me for a second, I need to go to the toilet.

The Correspondent: But sir-

Mark: I said, I need to go the the toilet.

Mark stared down at him like no tomorrow, the correspondent sank back into his seat, Mark signalled me to come with him. I didn't need the signal, I knew to come anyways.

Once we made our way to the toilets Mark sighed, and stood right outside. I couldn't look into his eyes, I was a wreck.

Mark: Well mate, I've left you lot at the top of the league. You better bloody win it or I will f*ck you up.

Me: Ahahahaha

Again there was silence. Mark was trying to cheer my up, but I was to sad

Mark: Faisal, listen. This is hard for the both of us, but it won't bloddy help if you cry like a wus all day, huh? You got an exceptional bunch of players behind you, whilst I have flops at Melbourne. You can win the league and play-offs with them, I know you can.

Me: Cheers mate. We couldn't have done it without you, and I can't find an assistant manager

Mark: Well I must say, I am the one of the kind. Oh look, theres that bloody correspondent.

Correspondent: Sir I must say, our flight---

Mark snarled like I've never seen him snarl before. It was funny, I was laughing at the end of it. The correspondent was told to go into the plane and wait. So he did.

Mark: He's right, I do need to leave.

Me: Well then, I guess goodbye.

Mark: Oi, toughen up, eh? You'll be late for training, and you better not bloody lose the game against Newcastle.

Me: Well, I will be missing your brilliant reports

Mark: Too true you will be. Now if you excuse me, I have a flight to my future job where I will take over a club of flops and turn it into a club of champs.

I laughed at the last statement. We went back to the door and Mark walked through. As he looked behind to wave me off, I was struggling to hold back tears. He waved with his usual brightness, as he usually does, which made me happy. As he left I burst into tears, and watched him take-off.

"Goodluck mate" I breathed, as I turned around and made my way to my house. I can skip training today, I was too much of a wreck.

Then I pictured Mark on the touchline in the A-League grand final, and me on the touchline next to him. I smiled. One day it will happen, and that day, one of us will have bragging rights for almost an eternity.

But that day isn't today, and now we must focus on the upcoming month ahead of us.

Great update, you're a very good writer man
I'd advise you to look at the coding of this post again, something's not right

@ASR-PSV: LFC fixed the coding Thank god for him.
And thanks for the good feedback

nice write-up there mate