Season 3: Queensland

Squad

Goalkeepers: Liam Reddy, Matt Ham (inj.), Griffin McMaster (inj. replacement)

Defenders: Craig Moore, Sasa Ognenovski, Seo Hyuk-soo, Andrew Packer, Stuart McLaren, Ben Griffin, Josh McCloughan

Midfielders: Matt McKay, Marcinho, Danny Tiatto, Massimo Murdocca, Chris Grossman, Michael Zullo

Forwards: Reinaldo Elias da Costa, Ante Milicic, Simon Lynch, Robbie Kruse, Tahj Minniecon, Mitch Nichols

Vacancies: 2

Player Movement

In: Moore, Marcinho, Tiatto, Grossman, Kruse, Minniecon, Nichols, Ham, Zullo, McMaster

Out: Dario Vidosic, Spase Dilevski, Chad Gibson, Remo Buess, Marcus Wedau, Tom Willis, Yuning Xhang

Comments

Key Man: McKay - super fit and fast, he's the heartbeat of the team. Continues to improve and will benefit enormously from the sudden emergence of Marcinho. Is a regular call-up to the home-based national squad on the horizon?

High Expectations: Marcinho - injured at the start of the season after scintillating pre-season form; looks to be the show time player the Roar require to bump themselves into the top four.

'X' Factor: Reinaldo - now that he's had a couple of seasons to settle in and adjust to conditions in Australia, the league's least spoken of Brazilian could emerge as a bonafide scoring threat . . . or he could have another frustratingly inconsistent season.

Young Gun: Ben Griffin - showed he's capable of stepping up when given a taste last year, but may be asked to continue to provide a utility service off the bench

Consistent Performer: Murdocca - alongside (now) Juninho Paulista, an inspiration to slightly built midfielders across the country.

Problem Child: Tiatto - with sparks already flying, what's it going to be like when Roar take on Victory?

Prediction

4th.

With the arrival of Moore, Tiatto and Marcinho, Queensland ought to have what it takes to finally push for a spot in the top four. The loss of Vidosic was a bit tragic, considering his outstanding rise, but they rolled on after the loss of Brosque the previous year, almost making the finals without their star forward from season one. The only element missing is a gun striker, but you get the feeling that if one of Reinaldo, Milicic or Lynch goes on a spree, Roar'll run all over an opposition that exhibits a defensive frailty. Reddy as well will need to keep himself out of mischief, since the departure of Willis and season-ending injury to Ham has alarmingly reduced the goalkeeping stock.