NEW Brisbane Roar coach Mike Mulvey has issued a warning to opponents writing off his side's chances of challenging for a third straight A-League title, declaring the Roar's class and unrivalled running power would provide the spark for a late-season surge up the ladder.
Under now Melbourne coach Ange Postecoglou, the Roar became the dominant force in the A-League on the way to claiming grand final wins in 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
However, without the mercurial coach calling the shots, the Roar has shown only glimpses of the sort of football rivals simply could not match previously.
Having taken the reins from Rado Vidosic a fortnight ago, Mulvey oversaw the team's first away win for the season in Adelaide last weekend.
More important than the 1-0 result, though, was the application of the group from start to finish, with the Brisbane players' superior fitness and skill helping them gradually take total control of general play. Adelaide United was seemingly trapped inside its territory for much of the second half.
"One of the fortunate things for me coming in mid-season is the fitness level of the entire group. We are happy to back ourselves head-to-head against any opponent in terms of our capacity to run out the full 90 minutes," Mulvey said.
"I thought there were some really encouraging signs in the performance against Adelaide. Things got a little sloppy at times, but we controlled the game for long periods. We kept pushing high and maintained pressure on the opposition by working really hard as a group.
"It was nice for the boys to get their first away win for the year, but we aren't getting carried away with things. It's very important to back that up here at home.
"If you can get a win on the board and back it up with another one it builds some momentum and that's certainly what we're after."
The Roar will host Ricky Herbert's Wellington Phoenix in the New Year's Day match.
A victory would see Brisbane leapfrog Wellington and Newcastle into sixth spot on the ladder with 13 games remaining.
"There's still plenty of football left in this season," Mulvey said
"Drifting down to the bottom of the ladder isn't the ideal way to set yourself a challenge but the fact is the challenge is now there in front of us -- trying to revive our season.
"Since I arrived what I've seen in the games and at training suggests the boys not only believe they can fix things but are also prepared to put in the work needed."
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