Ins: Luke DeVere (Australian Institute of Sport – 2 years), David Dodd (Palm Beach,QLD - 2 years), Charlie Miller (Lierse SK, Belgium – 2 years), Tommy Oar (Queensland Academy of Sport - 3 years), Reinaldo (Busan I'Park, Korea Republic – 3 years), Tim Smits (Rochedale Rovers, QLD - 2 years), Sergio van Dijk (FC Emmen, Netherlands - 2 years).
Outs: Matt Ham (released), Simon Lynch (released), Marcinho (released), Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United)
Re-signed: Josh McCloughan (2 years), Griffin McMaster (2 years), Liam Reddy (3 years).
Analysis:
The Roar have done well in the off-season, coaxing Sergio van Dijk to the club in what could prove the best recruiting move of the year. Reinaldo has decided to return to Brisbane, while Tim Smits looks a promising type. Charlie Miller lends experience in midfield while the recruiting of several young players adds more to the depth. Sasa Ognenovski is the only departure of note, but the Roar should be able to cover him.
Pre-Season: It wasn't a great set of results for the Roar with two losses, to Sydney and Central Coast, and a draw against Wellington, but the signs were there that the new players are ready to fire come Round 1. The only setback was Craig Moore's send off which sees him miss the season opener against Wellington.
Improvements: The depth in attack has been bolstered by the addition of three new strikers. While Robbie Kruse and Michael Zullo were the revelations of last season, these kids need support and Van Dijk, Reinaldo, Miller and Smits will take the pressure of that pair and make the Roar one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the competition.
Concerns: Discipline. Craig Moore and Danny Tiatto are two of the club's most important players and Frank Farina cannot afford them to get suspended during the season. Moore picked up six yellows and two reds last year, and the Pre-Season Cup indiscretion means he misses the opening game, while Tiatto had one red and five yellows.
Key player: Craig Moore. The respect Moore is held within the international football community is a measure of the quality of player he is. In a team which has so much young talent, the 32-year-old skipper is a vital influence if he can keep out of trouble. Without Sasa Ognenovski, he is going to have to work extra hard this year to ensure the Roar don't leak too many goals.
Up or down?
Beaten Preliminary finalists last year, there is plenty of evidence to suggest the Roar could go better this year. Their sharp end looks the best it's been, while they have the experience in defence to get the job done. However, other teams are likely to improve too, and it may be another case of so close and yet so far for Farina's men.
Adelaide United | Central Coast Mariners | Melbourne Victory | Newcastle Jets
Perth Glory | Queensland Roar | Sydney FC | Wellington Phoenix