After slipping behind in the 33rd min visiting CCM, Glory were level again 1 min later through Smeltz who’s effect on the game can’t be underestimated. It went to OT and they were quite fortunate to survive, out on their feet, but kicked all 5 in the shoot out to go through. Their extraordinary turnaround commenced at round 15, albeit coach Ferguson had regularly suggested they hadn’t got the rub of the rulings early rounds. From that time they’re 12 wins from 16 (3 losses) and 31 goals from them. They’re just okay at 33% the road but their issue here is the 3 meetings with Brisbane have produced 2 losses and a draw at a goal aggregate of 3-10, their last visit to Suncorp going 0-4, albeit round 8. They’re off two exhausting on field battles and will do well to feature here notwithstanding the adrenalin of a GF will carry them for some of it.
Meanwhile Brisbane had the week off after the 2nd leg win over CCM, and look in dynamic form, cutting the Mariners open at times even if pushed to 3-2. They’ve found the net lately (9 goals the last 4), and really look back to there slick passing, space finding game having hit a flat period mid season which saw them go 5 straight losses and miss the Premiership Plate. They may look to defend early but at some point striker Berisha and co will surely find the fresher legs. They’re comfortably the league’s biggest scorer, bring a much higher ranked defence, and are hard to oppose for back to back titles.
Brisbane Roar by 1