Assistant Coach Craig Deans looks back at last week’s loss and how the team is preparing for the Roar.
Unfortunately we could not break the away game drought over the weekend, going down 3-nil against Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park.
Contrary to the result there was a good buzz and feeling in the sheds before the game, having had such a convincing win in the previous weeks the boys were pumped.
During the first hour of the game we played some great football, although we didn-t have our possession percentages up, we still maintained good ball control and a high intensity.
In particular, Ben Kennedy created a solid defensive line. Making some crucial saves that kept us in the game for the first hour of play.
Regrettably it was our third straight loss on the road and not the outcome we were hoping for.
We made a few player changes during the second half and lost our rhythm slightly.
There were a few unnecessary mistakes at both ends of the field, but it was a good performance regardless of the score, we just need to perform for the full 90 minutes and not run out of steam.
In training this week we have been focusing on possession and recovery as well as different player combinations.
With the return of Michael Bridges and Tiago Calvano our team layout could shuffle again.
Taylor Regan has been playing exceptionally well during the last few matches filling in the void for Tiago. He is extremely talented for a 22-year old, he has filled some very big shoes of late and I think he has played incredibly well. I know he is busting for a secure position in the starting XI, but Gary will determine who takes the field on Saturday.
Michael will slot easily into the team as he has played with most of the boys, they are familiar with him on the field and he has been training with us for months now. He will be a great attribute to the team. Over the last few weeks he has been improving his fitness and strength on the field. In a blow to Michael he suffered from a virus and missed a few training sessions last week but he is back at training and feeling healthy again.
Gary has been preparing the boys- self motivation during the week and getting them individually prepared for Roar on Saturday. He has been encouraging the team to stick to the game plan and not get caught up in the opposition-s game but maintain our own.
Technically we will be continuing to develop into Gary-s style of play and hope to lift our intensity. Our performance at home is second to none, so far, and we hope to continue that.
There is no doubting the Brisbane Roar will be tough competitors on Saturday. We will focus on the positives and not dwell on the points lost but those that we can gain.
We hope to continue our undefeated streak at home and expect yet another huge supportive crowd from our members and fans. They have been a key aspect to our home victories and we can-t thank those in attendance enough.
Craig Deans
