Ahead of season 2012/13, who looks set to step up for the back-to-back champions?
Ahead of season 2012/13, we get the coaches' lowdown on the rising stars.
Brisbane Roar
One would have to assume it-s a tough gig forcing your way into the Brisbane Roar playing side on a permanent basis. The back-to-back champions have a first-rate first-team, and a well-defined playing style that requires a certain skill set from players.
First-team spots are at a premium in Rado Vidosic-s side and the youngsters have to be truly exceptional to gain and maintain their place.
While the Roar haven-t recruited heavily for the upcoming season, they do have some positions up for grabs and things might well change with a new coach and the departure of defender Mohamed Adnan.
Jack Hingert: If the loss of Adnan opens things up for any one player it has to be Hingert. The talented defender showed his potential last term but just couldn-t force his way into the side. This season, club and coach will be hoping he has what it takes to make the step up.
Rado Vidosic says: “Jack had an interrupted season last season with injuries and coming into the club, he found it a little bit difficult to break into the team especially with Ivan [Franjic] having such a great season.
“This pre-season, he-s been excellent so far and he-s over his injuries. We-re really looking forward to him showing his full potential. He can play right-back, left-back, up front so he really opens up a lot of options for us.”
Nick Fitzgerald (pictured): The sometime Youth League striker did get some game-time last season, with two goals in 13 appearances for the senior side. A predatory striker, we like what he brings to the table, which is the long-range finishing Besart Berisha and Henrique lack.
Rado says: “Fitzy was a great revelation last season, especially the last few games towards the end of the season. We also used him in the Champions League and he scored a goal away to Ulsan Hyundai. He really did more than what we expected of him last season.
“This is the new season and he-s also involved in the U-22 Qantas Young Socceroos team so he-ll have some disruptions but we hope he-ll keep his feet on the ground and continue his great work.”
Ben Halloran: Impressed everyone with his ability and maturity at Gold Coast United. Even Clive Palmer got behind the young midfielder-come-striker and his pace dazzled his opponents, while he needs to work on his finishing and knowing when to pass, he will be valuable to the Roar.
Rado says: “Ben is a Brisbane boy so he-s coming home. We really want him to feel like he-s at home. Our game is going to suit him quite well and it-s the game every young player wants to play - you get a lot of touches and goal-scoring chances. “To have someone like Benny in our front third, it-s definitely going to improve our chances to create goal-scoring opportunities. I can-t wait to see him play for us.”