Brisbane skipper Tom Aldred says his side is ready for an early acid test against Perth
Not one player that started in the final match of Brisbane’s disastrous 2018-19 campaign is set to start against Perth this week. But how will the Roar handle so much change?
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Roar captain Tom Aldred can hardly think of a better way for his new-look side to start its A-League journey than the challenge that awaits Brisbane in Perth on Sunday.
The Glory were the competition’s most consistent side last season, winning the Premier’s Plate before suffering the heartbreak of a penalty-shootout loss to Sydney FC in the grand final.
“We know we’re going to have to put ourselves up against every team in the A-League this season and what better way to get started than against the team that topped the last season,” Aldred said.
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The new Roar skipper likened the situation to when Brisbane beat Sydney FC 2-0 in August’s FFA Cup round of 32 clash at Leichhardt Oval.
“Like the FFA Cup it gives us a good marker for where we’re at,” Aldred said.
“When we had the first game against Sydney it gave as all a marker against the champions.
“Now to go there against the premiers, it’s a similar situation but one we’re really looking forward to.
“It’s been a long pre-season, but we’re all ready to go.”
In a sign of the mass changes at the Roar since the debacle of last season, not one player that started in the final match of Brisbane’s disastrous 2018-19 campaign is set to start on Sunday.
It’s believed that New Zealand international goalkeeper Max Crocombe has won his battle with the Roar’s reigning player of the year Jamie Young to start between the posts.
As reported by The Courier-Mail, Roar coach Robbie Fowler said he had a “difficult decision” to make in choosing between Young and Crocombe.
Aldred said it was a pleasant selection headache for Fowler to have.
“They’re both very good goalkeepers, and they’ll both be competing for the No. 1 spot during the season,” he said.
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“I feel comfortable playing in front of both of them. It’s the manager’s decision who starts in the goal.
“We’re a brand new team and there’s still a lot of work to be done but within time, and step by step, we’ll get there and be a good team over the next period of time.”
Originally published as Brisbane skipper Tom Aldred says his side is ready for an early acid test against Perth