Our Brisbane roving reporter John Carras got covered in black and orange confetti and pushed his way to the front of the crowd to make sure A-league Champions Brisbane Roar knew the Greek Australian community was behind them.
Not one but two Greek Australian players, goalkeeper Michael Theo and striker Dimitri Petratos, were coaxed by Mr Carras into signing a copy of the Saturday English edition and say a big congratulations. Unbeknownst to him, Mr Carras wasn’t just met with the two championship winning players, but about 70 per cent of the team and the always popular coach Mike Mulvey to make sure his souvenir paper was more than just a Greek affair.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Roar, winning their third Championship and on top of that making history as the most successful team of the League.
Their parade last Tuesday saw Brisbane CBD closed as fans flocked to show their support and congratulate the team.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk were on hand at the parade’s finish line in King George Square to thank the players and coaching staff for their efforts this season.
Councillor Quirk presented the team with certificates, as the team had already received the keys to the city after their first title.
Roar dominated the League all season, creating a huge 10-point lead for most of the playing season, finishing off with a huge winning streak and a legion of happy fans.
Their 2-1 grand final win last Sunday was the first time a team has come back from conceding the first goal.
Western Sydney Wanderers were once again so close to a grand final win but squandered it in injury time.
Brisbane’s Henrique slotted the winning shoot-out penalty in the Roar’s first grand final win back in 2011 and proved to be Brisbane’s hero again, sealing the match with a close-range finish in the 108th minute.
It was the last match for season favourite Besart Berisha, who couldn’t hold his emotion at the final result.
“I’m very emotional right now, I’m very glad and happy,” Berisha said.
“I’m so happy with the way I finished and the way we won the grand final – this is the best finish I could ever wish.
“Brisbane gave me so much, and I tried so hard to give it back.”
Now the team has set its sights on next season, as Mike Mulvey travels to Europe to scout for an even better team.
The Roar have pinpointed three potential strikers who they think can help the club take the next step by succeeding in the Asian Champions League.
