Luke Brattan knows that as long as he keeps shooting – his much-awaited first goal this season will come.
And he hopes that moment will arrive on Friday when the Roar takes on Adelaide United in Elimination Final 1 of the Hyundai A-League Finals Series at the Adelaide Oval.
The talented Roar defensive midfielder has had more shots on goal this season than all but one of his team mates – yet top goalkeeping, the woodwork and crowded penalty areas have foiled Brattan’s repeated attempts to find the net.
Until last Friday when he was overtaken by goalkeeper Jamie Young, Brattan had played the most minutes (2025) of any Roar player this season through 23 games. He has had 41 shots of which 16 were on target.
Only Dimitri Petratos (55 shots-11 on target) has had more attempts on goal while Brattan’s shooting has been more prolific than the next-ranked Roar players – Jean Carlos Solorzano (35 shots – 15 on target), Brandon Borrello (34 shots – 17 on target) and Steve Lustica (28 shots – 13 on target).
Brattan has also had 1563 passes at an impressive 82.9 percent accuracy rate and he is No.1 in the side on attempted tackles (6) and interceptions (62)
Brattan says he is in no way frustrated by going into the Finals Series this weekend without having scored in the regular season. But he can take heart in that he scored against Adelaide United in the Roar’s 2-1 win in the opening week of the 2012-13 Finals Series.
“First and foremost I am a play maker and an anchor for the team. I defend and give the ball to the forward players,” Brattan said explain his primary role in the side.
“I don’t see myself as a goal scorer so it is a bonus if I do get one.
“I won’t stop shooting that’s for sure.”
Brattan was included in the preliminary Socceroos squad for the AFC Asian Cup but didn’t make the final squad. He battled several injuries before the Cup break in January but has had a clear run since.
“I’ve played games regularly and my fitness is up. I am pretty happy with the way things are going,” said Brattan, who is determined for the Roar to make the most of its late elevation to the top six and the chance to defend its Championship crown.
“The boys are disappointed we couldn’t make it (the top six) on merit. But that (the demotion of Perth Glory to seventh over a salary cap breach) has happened now and we will look to make the most of the situation,” he said.
Brattan believes the Roar at full fitness has the quality to beat any side in the top six.
He says there are no easy games in the Final Series and Adelaide United will be a tough opponent.
“They are a great side, but we like to beat the best,” he said.
Tickets for the Roar’s game against Adelaide and other Finals Series matches are available through Ticketek.
Tickets, at just $10 which includes public transport to and from the match, are also available for the Roar’s final AFC Champions League match against Japans Urawa Red Diamonds at Gold Coast Stadium, Robina, next Tuesday (7pm kick off). Tickets available via Ticketek.
Also don’t miss securing your seats at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, 3 June when the Roar takes on Spanish La Liga side Villarreal. Tickets for that game can be purchased here.
