Brandon Borrello’s NAB Footballer of the Year nomination today has allowed the Roar to reflect on the terrific October the club enjoyed – but the focus is firmly on what’s to come.
Borrello described being named as the October nominee for the end-of-season award as a “team effort” while Roar Head Coach John Aloisi praised the input of some of his senior players in helping the side’s youngsters in their football developments.
And both said the most important thing was to be as best prepared as possible for tomorrow night’s Hyundai A-League Round 5 clash with table leaders Sydney FC.
Borrello thanked NAB for the award nomination and said it was vital that he built on what he has shown with four goals in the first four rounds of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
“It’s been a great month for myself and the team . . . it’s a great award to have and I just want to keep on performing,” he said.
“I feel like now that I am 20 years old, I need to start improving on my game physically and mentally.
“I’ve still got a long way to go so I am always looking to increase my ability . . . so (here at Brisbane) is definitely a place in the game where I want to be at the moment.”
Aloisi also urged Borrello to maintain a high level of consistency at training and said that would be reflected in continuing top performances on the field.
“I have seen that with Brandon, he’s been training really well. That, for me, is the sign of players that are going to play well,” Aloisi said.
“I am sure Brandon will keep his level. At the moment he just has to concentrate on this game against Sydney FC.”
Aloisi predicted Borrello had a huge future in the game and the new strcutures he has introduced at Brisbane are ideal to help to polish and improve his football development.
“I liked what I saw in Brandon last season. I think that he is going to be an important player, not only for Brisbane Roar but hopefully for the Socceroos one day,” Aloisi said.
“He is still developing as a player and I think he is in the right place to develop as a player. I know Brandon is happy here.
“It is always exciting when you have got young players coming through. It is not only myself trying to help them but also the older players out there helping them.
“Don’t underestimate your (Shane) Stefanuttos, your Matty McKays, your Thomas Broichs. They help (players like Borrello) develop. It’s exciting to to see young players doing well.”
