With Brisbane Roar on a finals surge, now is the perfect time to see where the side’s best players over the last decade have ended up.
GOALKEEPER
Michael Theo
He is one of a host of members of the team of the decade who are triple-championship winners with the Roar. As one of the A-League’s greatest keepers, Theo last played for semi-professional team Nunawading City FC in Forest Hill, Melbourne.
Theo is a 2020/21 A-league member of former club Melbourne Victory, appearing on Victory TV and representing the club he won two championships before his tenure in the Sunshine State.
DEFENDERS
Shane Stefanutto
The left-back was influential in the Roar’s three title wins. Stefanutto is the Roar’s technical director post playing career after embarking on multiple roles within the club.
Matt Smith
Influential at the back and iconic in the orange and black, Smith was captain for the final two title wins, while also featuring in the 2010/11 triumph.
The ex-Socceroo is now in charge of Brisbane City FC, the football director also playing and proving invaluable experience as the club looks to dominate Queensland football.
Jade North
Smith’s partner in defence, the experience and versatile defender was one of the Roar’s best. He retired from football last season aged 39, after featuring in the NPL Queensland for Easts and playing his final match against the Roar NPL side.
Ivan Franjic
The fan-favourite also featured in the three Roar championships during his two stints for the club.
He joined Macarthur FC for their inaugural season in the A-League after leaving Perth Glory, starting for the Bulls on 12 occasions.
MIDFIELDERS
Thomas Broich
Is definitely one of, if not, the A-League’s greatest ever player. The German wreaked havoc for his opponents down under and is now kicking goals both in German media and coaching.
Broich has embarked on a broadcast career in Germany and his media presence is growing. His hard work ethic and tactical genius widely respected, which has seen him take on junior coaching roles for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Matt McKay
The man who holds the record for most Roar games by far, McKay is the heart and soul of the club who retired in 2019.
He started a baby playmat company with his wife and is enjoying the perks of working in a business and spending time with his children.
Erik Paartalu
A Brisbane Roar hero, Paartalu now plys his trade in the Indian Super League for Bengaluru FC.
The defensive midfielder spoke to the media of his struggle to cope with India’s COVID-19 lockdown, after breaching protocols and being photographed pictured by local media on the streets.
ATTACKERS
Besart Berisha
An absolute superstar in the Roar’s golden era, the league’s all-time leading goal scorer is now staring for Western United after two stints with Melbourne Victory and plenty of oversees opportunities.
The 35-year-old has scored seven goals in 20 starts this season.
Henrique
The ‘Slippery Fish’ is the pick of the list. A fan favourite in the river city for his passion and dedication to the club, he was a star and deadly in his years at Brisbane.
He is now involved with Coomera Colts, playing but most importantly coaching the next generation with as much passion as he played with.
Jamie Maclaren
Despite spending only two years in orange and black, his impact was enormous. He scored 37 goals in two years, to launch his Socceroo’s career before starring for Melbourne City.
Maclaren is gearing up to help City clinch their first title ever after they took out the Premiers Plate.
Feature Image Credit: Brisbane Roar/Paul Smith
All statistics: Ultimate A-League
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
