Brisbane Roar seeking extra protection for Broich

High-flying Brisbane Roar are hoping that match officials provide more protection for the likes of Thomas Broich in a bid to look after the game’s top imports.

The German midfielder has been a revelation in his first ten A-League games but after opposition players again targeted him in the 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday, coach Ange Postecoglou was looking for more protection from the referees.

"He's a fantastic addition to the A-League. The only thing I worry with him is he just gets so much punishment every week. We want to protect the good ballplayers but he just gets fouled consistently," Postecoglou said.

"He accepts that physical part of the game. He doesn't get frustrated by it. [But] I'm looking at it. He's getting battered every week.

"We don't want that. We want football in this country to go to another level and bring good players here and give them an opportunity to play. I think he cops unnecessary punishment."

But Postecoglou admitted that Broich was happy to continue playing despite the close attention he receives.

"He wouldn't want go get rested. I've only taken him off once and he didn't speak to me for a week. He wants to play. It's not about that," Postecoglou added.

"To me, we're developing the game in this country and everyone is saying how the standard is improving. It will only keep improving if we protect the players the supporters come to see.

"He comes off the pitch bruised and battered. I just think at times there could be a little more protection."