In the 77th minute of last Friday’s clash with Adelaide, a weary Charlie Austin shuffled to the bench.
Brisbane’s star striker had just miscued another prime opportunity in front of goal and was replaced accordingly by Carlo Armiento.
The left-footed winger would go on to extract the decisive penalty that ensured Brisbane tied 1-1 with the Reds.
Upon reflection, this moment indicated a passing of the baton at the Roar with Austin’s departure from the Roar now confirmed.
Brisbane’s ability to forge on without their number nine suggests the Englishman’s exodus will not paralyse the remainder of this season, nor the years to come.
Austin’s time at Brisbane generated immense excitement and interest among fans, but his performances were that of someone past their peak.
Fostering combinations and cohesion was inevitably going to take some time, and Austin frequently displayed his frustration about this fact, often at his own teammates.
The candid nature of the former Premier League star’s feedback and his commitment to seeing the club regain relevance will leave an enduring mark on the impressionable young crop coming through.
Having scored four times from 10 appearances, it will not be a major blow to Brisbane’s immediate or future on-field ambitions to see Austin go.
Roar boast an exciting array of emerging forwards who are ready to assume control of the team’s offensive game.
The likes of Joe Knowles, Cyrus Dehmie, Jez Lofthouse and Armiento will be sensational, long-term footballers on the basis of their outputs thus far.
An ageing and homesick striker by contrast, is not someone who will deliver sustained on-field success.
Rather, it will be Austin’s off-field, leadership traits that will leave an indelible legacy among the squad long after he returns home.
Equipped with the knowledge, advice and new skills acquired from six months alongside Austin, this promising Roar group have all they need to steer Brisbane toward its next successful era.
Feature Image Credit: Brisbane Roar
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