Roar finish the season with mixed feelings. The Tangerines returned to the play-offs, but the unexpected departure of coach Robbie Fowler during the COVID-break and the early play-off exit (0:1 loss vs. Western United in Elimination Final) dampened mood come the end of the campaign.
Under Fowler Roar had bumpy start, but from late November onwards results improved. Going forward team looked average all season, but defensively things were solid and also on goal veteran Young had yet another memorable campaign.
Decisive for reaching the play-offs proved the form between January and mid-March when the season was stopped (W7 D2 L2). Then selfishly Fowler left during the 4-month break to seek better job opportunities and Roar were not the same after the restart, which eventually led to the early play-off exit.
The solid back line was Roar’s main strength throughout the campaign, while their inefficiency in attack was their main weakness.
Gillesphey and Aldred had very good season, while forward asset Jay O'Shea was on the other spectrum. Despite starting every regular season match his only goal was from the penalty spot and he never delivered enough threat in the final third.
Warren Moon is the new head coach for next season but, as many of the players are English and brought by Fowler, it seems they will be leaving Brisbane now too. Major rebuilding of the squad is likely to be underway. With that in mind the prospects for next season are not looking very good right now.
