Brisbane Roar

Last Season: 3rd

This Season: 3rd

It was another case of so close yet so far for Roar, who finished third on the A-League ladder for the second season running, before being edged out 1-0 by Melbourne Victory in The Finals.

Too many draws, nine in total, saw John Aloisi’s side lose touching distance with the top two, while they were heavily reliant on forward Jamie Maclaren, who scored nearly half of his side’s league goals.

Several injuries didn’t help, as Brisbane crashed out of AFC Champions League in the group stages, following heavy defeats to Ulsan Hyundai and Muangthong United.

Highlight

Brisbane’s 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in Round 24 was the only time they defeated one of the A-League’s top two sides.

Jamie Maclaren’s stunning second half strike - when he let the ball bounce between two Victory defenders before looping the ball over goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas from distance - was the difference between the two sides at the Suncorp Stadium.

The result moved Brisbane into joint third place with Melbourne City, consolidating Roar’s position inside the top six.

Lowlight

Aloisi’s side suffered an unexpected thrashing against Newcastle Jets in Round Two, losing 4-0 at the Hunter Stadium.

Jack Hingert’s own goal after just eight minutes set the tone for a dismal afternoon for Brisbane. Goals from Nigel Boogaard, Steven Ugarkovic and Devante Clut completed the hammering.

Star Player

Jamie Maclaren was instrumental for Brisbane, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and sharing the A-League Golden Boot with Victory's Besart Berisha.

The 23-year-old registered 11 times in the last nine games of the regular season, including a hat-trick against Central Coast Mariners in Round 25.

Maclaren also won the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award for the second year running.