Brisbane Roar defender Ivan Franjic has targeted a stellar second campaign at the back as the club begins to plan next season’s attack on the league.
Sweeping aside the Roar-s failure to make the finals, Franjic said he was focused on making a bigger impact than he had in his debut season.
“It-s been a great experience, just disappointing where we finished,” the 22 year-old said.
“Hopefully I have a good season next year … and improve on my performances, because I know can play a lot better than what I-ve been showing.”
Signed early in the season from the Victorian Premier League as injury cover, Franjic quickly stamped his authority on the right hand side of defence.
“I came in the right time, we got two wins out of three games,” Franjic said.
“The (Hyundai A-league) is a lot sharper, a lot quicker and the passes are much harder into your feet.
“But once you get used to that, it-s alright.”
However, the attack minded fullback-s season petered out towards the end of the season, his amazing progress continually hampered by a reoccurring hamstring problem.
But with the backing of Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, Franjic is ready to help write a new chapter in the club-s history books.
“(Postecoglou) and I-ve had a bit of a chat,” Franjic said.
“He mainly wants me to improve and to play to the best of my ability, which I was nowhere near this year.”
“Hopefully next year we have a good season and try to finish as high as we can.
“Hopefully it-s first.”
Franjic said he was looking forward to his first pre-season with the club, a component he ‘definitely lacked- during his first year with the Roar.
But before Franjic-s season starts afresh, the former Melbournian will return home, and to cooler climates, for a much deserved holiday
“The weather-s constantly hot in Brisbane, you lose a few kilos at training sometimes,” Franjic said.
