He was named the competition’s best player after winning the Hyundai A-League Johnny Warren Medal on Tuesday night but after training this morning, Brisbane Roar’s Thomas Broich was quick to shift the limelight to teammate Besart Berisha.
He was named the competition-s best player after winning the Hyundai A-League Johnny Warren Medal on Tuesday night but after training this morning, Brisbane Roar-s Thomas Broich was quick to shift the limelight to teammate Besart Berisha.
Broich claimed the prestigious award, determined by his peers, with an overwhelming count of 390 votes – his nearest opponent was his Albanian strike partner with 252 votes with Melbourne Victory front man Archie Thompson notching up 243 votes.
Berisha didn-t miss out completely after 19 goal haul during the regular season saw him claim the Golden Boot Award with the joint highest ever goal tally and Broich explained his contribution to the team didn-t end there.
“It helps because he-s such a threat to every opponent,” the German midfielder said.
“He pushes back their backline and they worry about him a lot which creates more freedom for us.
“Besides, he-s got such a calming effect on our game which is good too,” he said with a smile.
With both internationals forming such a vital part in Head Coach Ange Postecoglou-s game plan, the understanding between the duo and the other members of Brisbane-s prolific attacking force has been highlighted and duly noted by those who watch them play.
For Broich, the pure enjoyment of playing alongside the Hyundai A-League-s best striker was enough motivation to push for more success over the next two games.
The Roar host Ulsan Hyundai in Tuesday-s must-win AFC Champions League fixture before the big one – next Sunday-s Grand Final showdown at Suncorp Stadium against the winner of this weekend-s preliminary final between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory.
“He-s so passionate and his work rate is amazing,” Broich said.
“People talk about his instinct in front of goals but if you see him chase down defenders, it-s amazing.
“It-s so much fun applying pressure and its great playing with this guy.”
In the other club awards, captain Matt Smith collected the Fair Play Award on behalf of the team while bright youngster Nick Fitzgerald scooped the National Youth League Player of the Year Award.
“It just goes to show we-ve got a great team and great individual skills,” a proud Broich said.
