“I’ve been really happy with the way things went [this season]. I think I relaxed a bit more this year and enjoyed the football,” the newly crowned A-League referee of the year told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“There’s been a little less controversy, a little less booing from the crowd which is always nice.

“[And] there are less poor players in the league. Players are putting their foot on the ball and it’s a joy to referee.”

Breeze - who controversially sent-off Adelaide’s Cristiano in the 2009 A-League Grand Final, subsequently won 1-0 by Melbourne Victory – will be the man in the middle this Sunday afternoon when Brisbane Roar host Central Coast Mariners in the 2011 showpiece.

Another massive crowd is expected and with close to 50,000 screaming Queenslanders on his back, the pressure will  be on.

So, how does Breeze view the debate over protecting players – particularly given Thomas Broich is set to play on the weekend, the same player involved in a flashpoint against the Coast two weeks ago resulting in a red card to Pedj Bojic?

“I think people talk about the A-League as a rough league but I don’t think it is," Breeze countered. "I think every now and then there is targeting of the skilful players but if you let the players know that you’re onto that and they do need a little protection, it works out.”

Of course, any decision deemed controversial is debated by the public and media with the referees rarely afforded a chance to explain their actions.

Breeze’s take on this is not one you’d expect. “There are plenty of times I want to get on TV or have a situation like this [speak with au.fourfourtwo.com] and explain things but I don’t think it’s the right way to be.

“Sometimes controversy is football is not too bad.”

The 38-year-old, who cites Gary Power and Mark Shields as two refs who’ve inspired him, also referees internationally. He’s taken care of an Asian Champions League final, Club World Cup, Confederations Cup as well as the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

Though he missed out on the 2010 World Cup (which he admits was “disappointing) his next trip is to Tehran in May for an ACL clash between Piroozi and Al Ittihad at the Azadi stadium.

Just as Australian teams have had to adapt to cultural differences with AFC referees, Breeze too has had to be culturally aware of how and why players react the way they do across Asia.

“Sometimes it’s best they don’t speak English as there’s a lot less to say and you just rely on your body language. But you do have to understand different cultures,” he said.

“You go to the Middle East where it’s really, really hot and you do have to understand they do go down a little bit. I think it’s because they need a rest.

“You do have to give them some leeway and you do have to make them think you’re on their side. I think it’s part of that Western-Asian culture they often need the support - they think they need the support.

“So you’ve got to play the game the over there.”