Brisbane Roar are a team that "can't be written off" in the A-League this season, according to young attacker Brandon Borrello.
Confidence is sky high at the Roar on the back of their 4-0 friendly win over Perth Glory earlier this week, a result that has affirmed the internal belief they're poised to contend for silverware in coach John Aloisi's second season.
That's despite suggestions they may struggle as a result of the club's well-established off-field problems.
"It goes without saying, a lot of people would have written us off already," a bullish Borrello told reporters.
"But we're a team that can't be written off and it shows -- Perth might have taken us out of the FFA Cup but we put in a performance like that.
"We're not here to just play around.
"We did well with what we had last season and obviously people read into the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, but that's not anything to do with the players.
"If you come out and watch us train, we're not bothered at all."
The Roar's final assignment of the preseason is on Saturday, when Brett Holman will make his first appearance for the team against an NPL Queensland under-23 selection.
Borrello said the early signs from the former Socceroo at training were encouraging.
"I'm the guy that makes the runs in behind and ends the attack, but he's the creator," he said.
"He'll be in there getting the ball in the middle of the field and dictating play.
"We needed that sort of player in that position so it's great to have him."
Brisbane open the new A-League season at home against Melbourne Victory on Oct. 7.