Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
How they qualified: Winners - A-League 2011
Established 2005
Nickname The Roar
Home stadium Brisbane Stadium (52,000)
Website www.brisbaneroar.com.au
Club Honours
A-League champions 1 - 2011
A-League premiers 1 - 2011
Previous ACL appearances
Nil
Brisbane Roar were virtually untouchable when they won their first A-League championship last season. But the Queensland side have shown signs of vulnerability in their current campaign as they gear up for their first ever appearance in the AFC Champions League.
Ange Postecoglou's swept all before them in the 2010-11 campaign when they lost only one game all season, finished eight points clear at the top of the table and beat Central Coast Mariners in a penalty shootout in the grand final after coming back from two goals in the last three minutes of extra-time.
Despite the off-season departures of a pair of all-stars, midfielder Matt McKay and forward Kosta Barbarouses, Brisbane started the 2011-12 season in similar vein with an eight-game unbeaten run. But the wheels seemed to fall off the Roar bandwagon in December when they lost five matches in a row and fell out of top spot.
While Brisbane remain in contention for a spot in the A-League play-offs, the aura that surrounded them in the past year has dissipated after their recent poor run and they will need to rediscover some of their mojo if they hope to mount a serious challenge on the continental stage.
Expectations
Brisbane's excellent form last season encouraged the belief that they could do well in the AFC Champions League but their recent struggles have raised concerns about their ability to compete on multiple fronts. With their A-League campaign in full swing, it will be important for them to get points on the board quickly in Group F especially against teams that are just starting their domestic seasons.
Coach
Ange Postecoglou
Former Australia U-20 coach Ange Postecoglou took charge at Brisbane midway through the 2009-10 season after the dismissal of Frank Farina. While the 45-year-old was unable to rescue a dismal campaign, he was able to make the necessary changes that turned the Roar from also-rans into an A-League powerhouse just a year later.
Did you know?
While maroon is the traditional colour of Queenland's sports teams, Brisbane Roar opted for a predominantly orange kit in recognition of their Dutch origins. The roots of the club can be found in the Hollandia-Inala Soccer Club, which was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1957 and based in the Brisbane suburb of Richlands.
Key Player
Mitch Nichols
Tipped for stardom when he was signed as an 18-year-old in 2007, Australia international midifielder Mitch Nichols firmly established himself as a key man for Brisbane Roar during the 2010-11 A-League season, when he appeared in 32 games, netted six goals and was a vital cog in midfield for the club.