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Performance paramount for Postecoglou

Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou is maintaining a firm focus on his squad ahead of the historic clash with Hyundai A-League new boys Melbourne Heart.

Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou is maintaining a firm focus on his squad ahead of the historic clash with Hyundai A-League new boys Melbourne Heart.

Meeting at Toowoomba-s Clive Berghofer Stadium on Friday 25 June, the game marks the Hearts- first competitive match against Hyundai A-League competition.

However, Postecoglou is refusing to get swept away by the occasion, fixed on fine-tuning his squad-s performance ahead of the kick-off to the new season.

ā€œI don-t think it-s the kind of game where you think too much about the opposition,ā€ Postecoglou said.

ā€œBoth teams will be worried about their own teams … how their players are progressing, where their fitness levels are at and how the plan you have been working on is progressing.

ā€œThere will be plenty of interest in the Heart … but right now it is more about your own club.ā€

Brisbane has yet to experience the bitter taste of defeat in its pre-season Roar Roadshow tour, racking up morale boosting victories against tough local opponents.

But with a likely line-up including hardened professionals such as Simon Colosimo, Clint Bolton and Dean Heffernan the Heart offer a squad capable of challenging Brisbane-s hot-streak.

However, win, lose or draw, Postecoglou-s paramount concern is the evolution of his squad-s performance.

ā€œThe players have had to work hard against the local opposition … but obviously the quality of the Hearts- players is a little bit better,ā€ Postecoglou said.

ā€œWe-re still six weeks out so there is still a long way to go, so for now it-s about constant improvement and constant progress.ā€

One constant throughout the Roar-s pre-season has been the steady growth of grass-root football supporters cheering on the club.

And with the Darling Downs area one of the Roar-s major regional outposts, Postecoglou is hoping the trend of large crowds supporting Brisbane-s pre-season matches continues in Toowoomba.

ā€œI think wherever we-ve gone we have seen real enthusiasm amongst the people,ā€ he said.

ā€œWe-ve had big crowds and that-s helped the players address the game in the right manner … big crowds helps build the atmosphere and helps the players keep the motivation up.

ā€œAnd I-ve been talking to people up there they are really excited about it.

ā€œI-m sure a big contingent of our fans will make the trip … so I-m expecting a big crowd in Toowoomba.ā€

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