The 2015/16 A-League Men season was one of resurgence for Brisbane Roar, with the club returning to some of their best football in the Hyundai A-League.
Roar’s longest serving Head Coach, John Aloisi took charge of his first season, finishing third and missing out on the Premiership on the final day of the regular season.
After being denied the Premiers’ Plate by Melbourne Victory just six days earlier, Roar was after revenge in the Elimination Final between the two clubs at Suncorp Stadium. But it looked like being another night of frustration and tears as former hero Besart Berisha swept home an 86th-minute goal to give a 10-man Victory the lead. But as Roar has done so many times over the years, there was a sting in the tail. Skipper Matt McKay equalised barely a minute later before Thomas Broich headed home the winner in stoppage time to seal a memorable and heart-stopping 2-1 win to send more than 20,000 home fans into raptures.
Roar players and fans alike must still be wondering how they didn’t make the A-League decider. Against the Wanderers in the Semi Final in Sydney, Brisbane made start that dreams were made of, racing to a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes thanks to goals from Petratos, Maclaren and an own goal. But inexplicably Roar capitulated after that as a tidal wave from the Wanderers completed one of the greatest comebacks in A-League history. Brisbane surrendered their three-goal lead within another half an hour, eventually losing 5-4 in extra-time. While they were a big part of arguably the A-League’s best-ever match, throwing away a shot at the title will haunt still haunt the team.
Jamie Maclaren’s move from Perth to Brisbane proved to be an excellent career decision with the striker fulfilling his undoubted potential under coach John Aloisi. He opened the season with a double at Wanderland and the goals flowed right throughout the campaign. The 22-year-old finished with 20 for the season – the most ever by an Aussie player – was voted the league’s best young player and picked up a couple of gongs at Brisbane’s post-season awards. A Caltex Socceroos call-up for the upcoming clash with England was the icing on the cake of a stunning season for Maclaren.
Jack Hingert was a break out star for Roar, the young right fullback developed into a consistent performer in the A-League and was an ever-present under Aloisi in 2015/16. While Hingert has always shown great speed and endurance since bursting onto the A-League, he added quality and a real maturity this season and was a key figure in the club’s success. The 25-year-old finished the campaign with 56 tackles, 20 successful dribbles and one assist.
Petratos contributed some vital goals this season but his belter against City in round 24 was top of the pops. Positioned just outside the box at a corner, he swooped on the headed clearance by Alex Wilkinson and only had one thing on his mind. Petratos controlled the ball on his thigh and then let rip with a left-footed volley which whizzed past Thomas Sorensen into the roof of the net before the keeper could react. An absolute rip-snorter!
Three time Championship winning defender, Shane Stefanutto played the final season of a career that saw him play 127 A-League games for Brisbane and represent the Socceroos.
Roar were defeated by Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
Brisbane Roar 2015/16 A-League Men Season
Position: 3rd
Wins: 14
Losses: 7
Draws: 6
Goals scored: 49
Goals Conceded: 40
Captain: Matt McKay
Top Goalscorers:
Jamie Maclaren: 20 goals
Henrique: 8 goals
Dimitri Petratos: 7 goals
Brandon Borello: 5 goals
Jade North: 3 goals
Corona: 2 goals
Matt McKay: 2 goals
Thomas Broich: 2 goals
BRFC 2015/16 A-League Men’s squad:
Goalkeepers: 1. Michael Theoklitos, 21. Jamie Young
Defenders: 3. Shane Stefanutto, 5. Corey Brown, 6, Jérome Polenz, 13. Jade North, 14. Daniel Bowles, 15. James Donachie, 19. Jack Hingert, 33. Luke DeVere
Midfielders: 7. Corona, 8. Steven Lustica, 16. Devante Clut, 17. Matt McKay, 18. Javier Hervás, 22. Thomas Broich, 24. Tommy Oar, 29. Joe Caletti
Forwards: 9. Jamie Maclaren, 10. Henrique, 11. Jean Carlos Solórzano, 20. Shannon Brady, 23. Dimitri Petratos, 28. Brandon Borrello
Head Coach: John Aloisi
Award Winners:
BRFC Player of the Year: Corona
A-League Young Player of the Year: Jamie Maclaren
