Brisbane Roar winger Brandon Borrello says the Roar are a side not to be written off ahead of the side’s final Hyundai A-League pre-season game.
The Roar put in a stellar performance in Tuesday’s dominant 4-0 win over Perth on Tuesday just two weeks out from the opening game of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season.
Borrello was at his attacking best on the right and played a key role in the opening two goals. Attacking partner Dimitri Petratos was equally damaging after scoring with a sweetly-struck shot from distance and coming within inches of a second goal with a terrific free-kick cannoning off the crossbar.
Borrello says the strong performance is an indicator of the side’s improvement during pre-season.
“We’re a team that can’t be written off,” Borrello said
“Putting in a performance like we did against Perth on Tuesday so close to the season shows how far we’ve come as a group and that we’re wanting to have another successful season.
“We want the fans to know that we’re here to play and we’re going to put on a show.”
The Roar clash on Saturday with PS4 NPL QLD U23 Select in the squad’s final pre-season fixture at QSAC (3pm KO) ahead of the October 7 season opener.
With pre-season nearly complete, Saturday’s match will be another opportunity for the Roar side to continue to build momentum leading into the start of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season against Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, October 7.
Brisbane won the corresponding fixture last season in convincing style, defeating NPL QLD U23 All-Stars 8-0 at QSAC. Both Borrello Petratos found the net in that game and the duo will be looking to get on the scoresheet again.
Following a recalibration of the selection process, NPL QLD U23 Select are expected to provide a stronger test for John Aloisi’s men this time around.
Borrello played in the PS4 NPL QLD with the Young Roar before being promoted to Brisbane’s senior squad and says he learnt many valuable lessons in the NPL.
“I enjoyed my time in the NPL and I believe it only helps develop players,” Borrello said.
“It gave me an introduction into senior football and I think it’s great for every up and coming player.”
Benjamin Litfin will captain the NPL Select squad, comprising 18 players from eight PS4 NPL QLD clubs.
Gold Coast City FC and NPL U23 Select coach Grae Piddick says the side are full of enthusiasm but says it will be hard to stick with the Roar physically after eight weeks of Hyundai A-League pre-season training.
“It’s an under 23 side in name but most of our squad are actually 21 or younger, so they are very young but they are also very enthusiastic,” Piddick said.
“The biggest challenge is going to be the physicality of the game because Roar are building and lifting for their season while most of our players haven’t played a full competitive match in a month.”
Off-season recruits Jacob Pepper and Thomas Kristensen both received game time against the Glory with Socceroo legend Brett Holman expected to feature on Saturday against NPL Select
Borrello says Holman’s creativity and leadership in midfield will benefit the Roar going forward.
“He’s definitely a player that every team wants. It just adds to the attacking force
“I’m the guy that makes the runs in behind and finishes the attack but he’s the creator. He will be in the middle getting the ball and dictating play.
“We need that kind of player in the middle of the park so it’s great to have him.”
With pre-season nearly complete Saturday’s match will be another opportunity for the Roar side to continue to build momentum leading into the start of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season against Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, October 7. Get your tickets HERE .
Quote Unquote – Brandon Borrello
“The season is only a couple of weeks away now and we put in a good performance on Tuesday so the boys are ready to go.
“The boys are starting to gel well. It’s the business end of pre-season and we want to be functioning well. It shows that our structures going forward and defending are starting to work.
“We’re a lot fitter and stronger. The style that we’re playing is coming along very well and from the players’ perspective we have come a long way since last pre-season.
“Everyone knows that the boys are giving 100% in training. It gets heated sometimes because everyone wants to win, even in training.
“That’s just the mentality that John’s installed in us and it won’t change at all.”
Speaking on personal goals for the 16/17 season : “I want to build on last season, I want to create more chances and score more goals and be a bit more lethal.”
