#INSERT type:image caption: Corey Brown, left, was the surprise winner of Brisbane Roar's Gary Wilkins medal on Saturday night. END#
Corey Brown has hailed outgoing Brisbane Roar legend Thomas Broich as "irreplaceable" and one of the key reasons why he took out the A-League club's highest individual award.
Brown was the surprise winner of the Gary Wilkins medal on Saturday night after a season in which he cemented himself not only as a key member of Brisbane's back four, but one of the best left-backs in the competition.
Broich, who is leaving the Roar after seven seasons and three A-League titles, was also honoured on the night as the inaugural inductee into the club's new hall of fame.
The pair formed a terrific left-sided combination this season but Brown, 23, said Broich was far more than just a good link-up partner.
"I can't say enough about Thomas," Brown said.
"I've been through some tough times in my career already as a youngster -- left out of representative teams, left out of Grand Final squads, being dropped.
"That's the thing about Thomas, he's always been there for me off the field.
"Whatever he brings for me on the field is an absolute bonus.
"Talking me through games, giving me a lot of positive feedback ... as a young player that's really good to hear.
"He's been unreal. It's sad [that he's leaving]."
Tommy Oar looms as Broich's direct replacement next season as the fringe Socceroo becomes one of the Roar's two marquee players, along with Brett Holman.
"Tommy's a different sort of player. He's a lot quieter than Broich but he's a Socceroo, he's played overseas, he's a great player himself," Brown said.
"We can definitely forge a great left side, I believe, but nobody can replace Thomas Broich. Let's not make comparisons there."