Brisbane boss Ross Aloisi has been praised for reviving the Roar’s fortunes as the club stands 90 minutes from its first piece of silverware in nearly a decade.
Brisbane skipper Tom Aldred says Aloisi, whose side face Sydney FC in the Australia Cup final, has helped bring the fun back to the club.
Brisbane have had more downs than ups in the decade or so since Ange Postecoglou’s Roarcelona revolution, but Aldred hopes the chance to start the season with a trophy can be a springboard for their A-League Men campaign.
“This run has been a positive distraction,” Aldred said ahead of Saturday’s final at Allianz Stadium.
“We were at a stage last season where it was just getting through the season and finishing in a position that was respectable.
“As players, you don't want to be playing like that, you want to be competing, you want to be in the top six and for trophies.
“It's been a breath of fresh air with Ross coming in and it’s exciting for the season ahead.”
Even Sydney FC captain Luke Brattan is pleased to see the Roar back amongst silverware after beginning his career at the club.
“Last time they were in a grand final, I was playing so it’s a long time ago,” said Brattan.
“It’s taken a while but Ross is a fantastic coach who has got them playing great football.”
Aloisi said he had been impressed at how quickly the Roar had adapted to his methods since being named as Warren Moon’s permanent replacement earlier this year.
“To be here is amazing, especially for the club, because it’s 10 years since we’ve been able to play for a trophy,” Aloisi said.
“I think any club that wins a Cup final, there’s a good vibe about it.
“The result is important but the performance is probably just as important with the brand of football we are trying to play.
“We want to make our supporters proud and we don't just play for Brisbane Roar supporters but we represent the whole of Queensland as well.”
The Roar have defeated Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney United 58 and Melbourne Knights en route to the final.
But Sydney FC will prove a tough nut to crack with homeground advantage on their side.
“We want to win trophies, there is a trophy up for grabs and a spot in the AFC Cup and for us as a club, that’s where we want to be,” said Sydney boss Steve Corica.
“We've got a young squad and a lot of them haven't won a trophy and it's been a few years since we have won one so this is a perfect opportunity for him to win a trophy early on in the season”
