Sweat replaces swagger at Roar

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ROAR marquee man Thomas Broich admits last season was the humbling experience Brisbane had to have to remind them A-League success should never be taken for granted.

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Riding high after back-to-back championships, Brisbane entered the 2012-13 campaign with more than a hint of swagger and perhaps a sense that is was their right to snare a hat-trick of titles despite the departure of master mentor Ange Postecoglou for Melbourne Victory.

"It's one of those experiences that you sometimes need in life," Broich said as he recalled a campaign ultimately regarded as a failure despite a late-season surge that had Brisbane alive deep into the finals series.

"We all under-estimated the situation last year."

Broich has heard all the theories about the Roar's problems last season.

They include a lack of hunger, motivation and fitness, Postecoglou's exit and the decision to replace him with former assistant Rado Vidosic, who was quickly moved aside to allow current coach Mike Mulvey to grab the reins.

"I'm not a fan of finding one reason for failure or success. There was many components to our bad season last year," the German playmaker said.

"Things like discipline, that hunger, general levels of fitness … we did so well to turn it around mid-season but we weren't quite ready for the semi-final against the Wanderers.

"Missing out on another grand final, that did hurt because we had a feeling that it was absolutely possible.

"But it was due to our own lack of urgency early on in the season that we missed out.

"It taught us a lesson. We learnt a lot from last year and we look a lot better this year."

"It's certainly good to get the feeling that we've ticked all the boxes this year."

Not that Broich and the Roar are again falling into the trap of over-confidence due to sizzling pre-season form, the return of favourite son Matt McKay and addition of silky Irishman Liam Miller.

Trial wins will count for nothing if Brisbane, minus Socceroo McKay, can't live up to the hype on Sunday at Westpac Stadium against last season's cellar dwellers Wellington Phoenix.

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"We're going to New Zealand, which is always difficult. It's the first game of the season, it's a big unknown, but our focus is there already," Broich said.

"Pre-season results were good so there are some promising signs but we haven't won a single point yet. It's going to be a rocky road, but we do have the potential, so it's totally up to us to deliver.

"Matty's been here in the past and Liam's just our kind of player. They're both energetic and creative players. That should help anyone in our team, not just me.

"I can't wait to face all the teams, but it's so hard to pick out one team that's a standout.

"You can't say 'this is the team to beat', because there are really five, six, maybe seven teams out there who've got the potential of doing something really great."

On a personal level, Broich said he was feeling as fresh as ever despite the fact he turns 33 in January.

The 2012 Johnny Warren Medallist has another three seasons remaining on his Roar deal, and aided by the A-League's lengthy off seasons, hasn't ruled out playing on beyond the 2015-16 season.

However, the former Germany under 21 international admits he is more than likely to hang up his boots as a 36-year-old when his current contract expires.

And having taken the first step to becoming an Australian citizen by applying for permanent residency, Broich would like to remain part of the Brisbane set-up after he retires.

"If I get permanent residency, I have an option to stay here my entire life, which I'll consider doing. I might end up staying here for quite a long time," he said.

"This is going to be my last contract most likely. If I can play another year (after that), then great … it's good to have half a year off to look after yourself.

"I don't find it (the A-League) super tough. It's a very competitive league but it's not too long a season.

"It's one of the benefits of playing in Australia."

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