TOP-HEAVY with attacking talent, it's not going to be goal-scoring which defines Queensland Roar's season - it will be how an ageing defence copes at the other end.

Queensland made a symbolic and significant breakthrough in falling one game short of the grand final last season, and there are legitimate hopes north of the Tweed that they can take things one step further. Experience suggests the Roar will be in good hands in dealing with the pressure of expectation. But if the A-League has shown nothing else in its short history it's that reputations are made to be broken. In particular, a back four with an average age of 32 has to prove it's good enough to last at least one more season.

Frank Farina is steadily working through the process of weeding out the influence of his predecessor, Miron Bleiberg, and putting his own stamp on the team. But three Bleiberg recruits - Andrew Packer, Hyuk Su-seo and Josh McCloughan - are still there, and they're not getting younger.

The other member of the defensive quartet is Craig Moore, an icon with the Socceroos and the off-field face of the Roar. But while Moore's influence in the dressing room is enormous, it's what he does on the park that counts most. Last season was a mixed one, and at times Moore showed his frustration. This season he has to be better than that and lead by example.

If Moore stays on the straight and narrow, and organises those around him as well as he has done throughout his distinguished career, then the Roar will have the platform they need for a tilt at the title. Anything less, and keeper Liam Reddy could be in for a busy season, as Farina has only two younger players, Ben Griffin and Luke DeVere, applying any pressure on the established defenders.

It's a different story elsewhere. The unexpected return of last season's top scorer, Reinaldo, has left Queensland with plenty of scoring power. New Dutch recruit Sergio van Dijk looks the goods, youngster Tim Smits has benefited from a toughening-up period in the state league, while young flyers Tahj Minniecon, Michael Zullo, Mitch Nichols and Robbie Kruse have been joined by the youngest gun of all, 16-year-old Tommy Oar, who arrives with even bigger expectations.

Whether opportunity will knock again so loudly for the Roar's famed "Department of Youth" remains to be seen. The recruiting process has closed a lot of doors. Indeed it might well be an old stager, Charlie Miller, who decides their campaign. Fitness is an issue but talent isn't for a player who often plays one step ahead of the game. As always, Massimo Murdocca and Matt McKay will do the dirty work, so it's up to Miller to do the rest. And while previous imports Marcus Wedau and Marcinho struggled to fulfil the crucial "No.10" role, Farina is confident it will be a case of third-time lucky with his Scotsman.

With North Queensland FC and Gold Coast United ready to join the competition next year, the Roar know how critical it is they make the most of their head start. Farina has already been signing some of the best young players in the state to long-term deals to try to warehouse the next generation of talent.

There would be no better time for the Roar to win the league than this season. For that to happen, everything needs to fall into place, and that includes getting rid of the red mist which descended at crucial stages of last season. A Queensland side on best behaviour and in full swagger has the ability to light up Suncorp Stadium, and the competition.

AT A GLANCE

Major losses: Sasa Ognenovski (Adelaide United), Simon Lynch (Airdrie United, Scotland), Marcinho (released).

Major gains: Tim Smits (Rochedale Rovers, Qld), David Dodd (Palm Beach, Qld), Sergio van Dijk (FC Emmen, Netherlands), Charlie Miller (Lierse SK, Belgium).

Likely first XI (4-4-2): Reddy; Seo, Moore, McCloughan, Packer; Murdocca, Tiatto, McKay, Miller; Reinaldo, van Dijk.

X-factor: The intelligence of enigmatic Scotsman Charlie Miller - if he stays fit.

What the coach says: "We're happy with the recruiting, we've got a good balance in the squad. As far as the league goes, it's probably going to be tighter than last year, but we're in good shape. If we get some luck, anything is possible." Frank Farina