Do Brisbane Roar know how big they could be, or should be? Having survived another epic finals match, they've moved to within one game of a fourth grand final appearance in six seasons.

Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC like to claim they set the benchmarks, but they'd kill for a record like that. And yet the Roar remain largely on the fringe of the conversation, especially in their hometown where they're firmly entrenched in the shadows of the Broncos. Why?

Four owners in a decade - including Football Federation Australia in a caretaker capacity - hasn't helped. The acrimonious split with their founding fathers - the Dutch migrants who formed the club in 1958 (as Hollandia) - was particularly damaging.

Insecurity, insolvency and indifference have all plagued the Roar during the A-League era, but the team has managed to thrive regardless. The 36-game unbeaten record under Ange Postecoglou may never be broken. Good football, good players, great success. But still the Roar, as a club, are only scratching at the surface of their potential.