Now for the Roar's biggest test

Brisbane is Australia's 3rd biggest sporting market. Now the harsh reality of the exodus of interest in the A-League from this market will come under the spotlight. The FFA will nervously await the crowd size for vital Socceroos v Indonesia game on March 3. The crowd size and local viewing audience is likely to have a long term impact on the FFA's strategic decision making.

For Brisbane Roar, many of the fans favourites have already left or been forced out. But there is also a chance that the heralded off season re-building is actually a period in which a whole set of other players are snapped by other A-League clubs as well as overseas interests. Likely to leave are Oar, van Dijk and McKay. It has already been indicated that McMaster and Ham may also leave. These changes may lead still more players to reconsider their future, most notably Zullo. Together the impact may be that there is little to attract new players other than those with few other options.

Miron was left pondering this problem after Queensland Roar decided to enter the A-League as probably the lowest spending club. Gold Coast United and the $1m Jason Culina was his response. The quality of players that came with Jason has been amazing.

Unless Brisbane Roar can find a way to make a similar commitment, find a way to tempt players like van Dijk, Oar and McKay to stay - and the snowball effect that would have on other's decisions - there is little point in their playing at Suncorp. And there would be little prospect of suddenly becoming a competitive team - at Suncorp, Ballymore or anywhere else. The A-League top performers have moved on from the position where there is a level playing field.

The fundamental for Brisbane is that they must, as soon as possible, commit $1m a year to a named and known marquee. Then get that information out there to attract a series of star recruits who will swim on the marquee's coattails.

My guess is that a new investor with $20 to $40 million to spend in 2010-11 is the first step.

The crowd sizes this year reflect the Brisbane market's reaction to the club's under performance, and to its reading based on the performances in the preseason and the first game against Gold Coast, that the club was no longer competitive. Unless this perception is reversed, interest in Brisbane will fall again next season. For instance there is strong evidence that many season ticket holders are considering their commitment for next year. This group paid the inflated ticket prices and watched as the club offered discounted and free tickets to all but them.

It will take a phenomenal effort for the club to turn their fortunes around from here.

Adelaide 2 v Brisbane 0: McKay may have played his last Roar game

Matt McKay was given a second yellow card late in the second half. He had given a soft foul against Floures - or Flower boy. Flower Boy begged for the 2nd card from the green ref. Flower Boy and McKay had been arguing through the second half and it is clear how the South American plays his game. Pity he won't come up against Pantelides or Muscat who would show him what a real yellow card looks like.

Brisbane were embarrassing. Right from the start they were unable to get their passing right. Many just didn't have enough power to reach their intended, others seemed to be to no one in particular.

So much for having a specialist striking coach. Brisbane had no shots in the box. And only one from Tommy Oar from way outside - looked like it could go in.

Twice the defending was shockingly bad. And that was enough.

While for Adelaide Lucas Pantelis had a great game, it would be very disappointing if he is the best Brisbane can do for new local players.

A great, great shame. I didn't think that Brisbane would make the finals. However, they needed to give their fans a clear reason to return next year. McKay did not deserve - in the tackle or his service to the A-League - to go out this way. And unfortunately as one of the few local boys, looks set to look like just another in the precession of fan favourites out of the club.

Classic

""The FFA are worried that we will win the major semi-final and then enjoy hosting rights for a match they don't want to see in Queensland," Palmer said.

"It's all about getting the game to Victoria and NSW, despite the fact we have the best team in the league.

"They are getting very nervous and this whole things smells of corruption and undue influence to me." from the Gold Coast Bulletin via Courier Mail.

Mrdja's going back to CCM next season - meanwhile Adelaide buy a dud

What a joke. Melbourne - from 1st place - gets to cherry pick the league. Who wouldn't do all they could to get a premiership medal and possible ACL shirt.

Meanwhile, bottom placed Adelaide have been told they can't play Adam Griffiths in this season's A-League nor in the ACL. Ooops - I wonder what they will get for their money since it was only a short term deal.

'Griffiths transferred from Gold Coast United to Al-Shabab earlier this season before he was released by the Saudi club at the end of last year. He played just one game for both clubs but it is enough to rule him out of action for the rest of the A-League season.

The FFA are still investigating if he will be eligible to play for the Reds in their Asian Champions League campaign, although that also looks unlikely under FIFA's strict rules.' Four Four two Australia.

Melbourne 2 v NQ Fury 0

Nik Mrdja's move to prop up a depleted Melbourne is not a good look. If you want to spit in fans eyes, this is the type of cynical move that will do it.

Meanwhile, CCM looks very depleted. How will convince their fans that next year will be better? The rich are starting to look richer and Melbourne and Gold Coast devour class players from other teams.

Roar brilliance

At last Brisbane have hit on a rich vain to build a positive and lasting relationship with loyal members. The exclusive Patrick Kluivert training sessions for youth members is a fantastic initiative and on the track to building life long members.

ABC1 covers the Brisbane story

The great coverage on the Roar and Ange from ABC1 stands in contrast to the anti-Brisbane performance of the Courier Mail this year - where any story - today Moore's pending retirement is turned into jaded coverage of the club.

Fixing the Courier Mail relationship needs to be a priority.