What stands in the way is the only side who didn't lose to Brisbane last year, a side that has won every game at home this year, and a side that won't be giving any charity to Brisbane whatsoever. The Newcastle Jets are looking promising this year, and despite holding an unenviable away record having lost all three games, they have showed signs of their ability to beat teams.
Brisbane Roar, despite flying high on the top of the ladder, were held to a draw by a nine-man Melbourne and cellar-dwellers Wellington over the last two weeks. It seems like Victory showed the rest of the A-League how to stop them, being forced to park the bus and play a purely defensive formation after having two men sent off. While Wellington never looked as inspired as Melbourne did the week before, Brisbane's missed chances defined the game in which they held 69% of possession and took 18 shots for goal.
However Newcastle coach Gary van Egmond has promised to play for the win, refusing to set up an 11-man defence for their game this weekend, which is good news for the Roar. An expansive game will suit Ange Postecoglou's side, who recently dismantled a red-hot Adelaide 7-1 in that manner. While Brisbane's lacklustre form over the last two weeks means this game is in no way a foregone conclusion, they have the firepower and the belief to win this one.
Joshua Mathew is studying his Bachelor of Theology and volunteers in the senior high youth ministry of Hillsong Church.
Joshua's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joshua-mathew.html