‘It would mean a lot to get our hands on silverware’: O'Shea hungry for more after Brisbane's Semi Final win

Euan James \\ Photo Credit: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images 1695551235,1695554391

Brisbane Roar will face Sydney FC in their first Australia Cup final, after edging Melbourne Knights 1-0 on Sunday evening.

18-year-old Thomas Waddingham continued his fine start to life in the first team, with his third goal of the tournament so far.


Speaking after the match, veteran midfielder Jay O'Shea explained just how much reaching the final means to the club after an up-and-down few years.

“There is a great buzz around the club,” O’Shea told Network 10 post-match.

“Ross has got us to fit and to make it to a final just before the season starts, we couldn't ask for much more.

“We are taking it one game at a time and not getting too carried away but it would mean a lot to us to get our hands on some silverware. Especially for the Brisbane fans who have stuck with us through thick and thin.”

Ross Aloisi’s no-nonsense approach to transforming his side into a genuine force to be reckoned with is well and truly underway.


O'Shea gave an insight into what Aloisi has done to turn the side's fortunes around.

“The first thing is the structure of how we want to play,” he said.

“We work on patterns so much, everybody knows their jobs and we've got good rotations going.

“Ross has worked really, really hard on our fitness levels as well. I think he's done the rounds as an assistant and took everything good that he liked and moulded it into one.”

Along with transforming the team's playing style, Aloisi has also signed a host of new players.

The new manager is making it clear that he is keen to provide a pathway for young talents like 18-year-old striker Waddingham - who has scored three goals so far in the Australia Cup.

O'Shea praised Waddingham but hinted that there is more to come.

“He’s excellent,” O’Shea said.

“You should see him at training. His finishing is unbelievable and he works his socks off.

“With the standards that the older boys are getting the younger boys to do, everyone knows their jobs. Especially the young boys and that helps a lot.”