REDLANDS, located on the shores of Moreton Bay and once a semi-rural area that grew amazing local produce, was the setting for my first taste of football served a la Brisbane Roar – that is, pretty much the same as old except with a new name and with a touch of extra Brazilian spice.
Since Frank Farina took the reigns at the club a couple of seasons back, the team's play has been solid and reasonably dependable, if perhaps a little bland for some people's tastes. Much like a hearty stew, the team has combined well and satisfied our hunger without providing much in the way of individual flavour.
Well prepare yourself Roar fans as the recipe of old has been updated for the new season - we have added a "slippery fish" to the pot by the name of Henrique de Andrade Silva. If that is too much of a mouthful then just call him Henrique.
To be honest I wasn't expecting all that much from Brisbane's first pre-season run against Redlands City Devils on Tuesday night. Pre-season matches are the entrée to the regular season's main course - allowing the manager to experiment freely by adding a pinch of youthful zest to the mix after discarding those players that have reached their use-by-date.
But amidst an evening seasoned with some none-too-sticky first touches and a tad too much pepper on the odd misdirected pass was a stand out performance by Henrique. At the risk of having egg on my face later in the season (okay no more convoluted food puns, I promise) I honestly believe the attacking midfielder will be a revelation this A-League season.
Of course I and several thousand of my fellow Roar faithful saw Henrique in the flesh against Central Coast during last season's finals campaign. I remember commenting to friends at the time, and that nice bloke queuing behind me in the gent's after the match, that I was impressed not only with Henrique's pace but his ability to take a hard tackle and pick himself back up.
Tuesday however, was my first glimpse of the diminutive Brazilian over the course of 90 minutes. The most outstanding aspect of his game to my mind was his general work ethic. The man went in search of the ball at every opportunity and constantly seemed to find himself in positions to receive a pass and move the side forward in attack.
It was this knack for putting himself in the right place at the right time that saw him capitalise on a goalkeeper's parry to score the only goal of the match.
Another aspect of his game that will undoubtedly have A-League defenders scratching their heads is his control of the ball while running at pace. He is lightning quick but keeps the ball close to his feet in a style very different to the traditional Australian wingers trade of simply knocking it on and chasing it down.
Unfortunately for Roar fans Henrique has only signed with the club for the solitary season. A player of his talent will certainly garner interest from rival clubs both domestic and foreign come season's end. Hence, I implore my fellow Roar fans to take every opportunity to watch the little maestro this season; it may be the only chance you get.
Finally, while Henrique was sensational for Brisbane, I believe that last night's man-of-the-match honours were shared equally between him and Redlands goalkeeper Andrew Ralph. Ralph was outstanding in the second half showing steel-trap reflexes, solid technique and barking instructions to his backline like a seasoned pro.
Without Ralph's efforts Brisbane Roar surely would have netted another goal or two and I have it on good authority that Roar coaching staff were so impressed they had a bit of a chinwag with him after the game. If injury should befall Brisbane's two contracted goalkeepers this season I would not be surprised if the club look to Ralph as a short term injury replacement.
