Quick Read
- Brisbane Roar begin the 2025/26 A-League Men’s season at home against Macarthur FC on Friday night.
- Michael Valkanis makes his competitive debut as head coach, with 11 new signings in the squad.
- Brisbane are missing three players through injury; Macarthur are unbeaten in their last nine against the Roar.
- Harrison Sawyer is Macarthur’s key aerial threat, having scored four headers in his last four league games.
- Kickoff is at 8:05pm AEST, with live broadcast on TNT Sports 4.
Friday night at Suncorp Stadium marks the beginning of a new chapter for Brisbane Roar. After a grueling 105 days of pre-season, which saw the squad endure 67 training sessions and 14 matches—including a rare trip to the Solomon Islands—the Roar are set to face Macarthur FC in the opening round of the 2025/26 A-League Men’s campaign (brisbaneroar.com.au).
Fresh Faces and a New Direction Under Michael Valkanis
The anticipation surrounding this fixture isn’t just about the start of another season—it’s about change. Since taking charge in May, head coach Michael Valkanis has reshaped the squad, introducing eleven new signings. Names like Dean Bouzanis, Youstin Salas, Dimitri Valkanis, Chris Long, Georgios Vrakas, Matthew Dench, Justin Vidic, Michael Ruhs, James McGarry, Jordan Lauton, Milorad Stajic, and youth graduate Noah Maieroni are all vying for their competitive debuts.
This overhaul signals Valkanis’ intent: to “bring the roar back into Brisbane.” His approach is described as meticulous and demanding, instilling a culture where every player is expected to give their all for the badge and the city. The club’s board has reinforced this vision, pushing for a united, hard-working environment.
But the transition hasn’t come without its challenges. The squad will be missing key players for the opener—Austin Ludwik (groin), Ben Halloran (knee), and Nathan Amanatidis (quad)—leaving Valkanis with tough decisions for his first competitive lineup.
Macarthur FC: The Unbeaten Streak and Key Threats
Standing in Brisbane’s way is a Macarthur FC side that has made a habit of frustrating their hosts. The Bulls boast a nine-game unbeaten run against the Roar, including a resounding 5-1 win at Suncorp last April (Sporting News). In fact, Brisbane have managed just one victory in eleven meetings since Macarthur entered the league in 2020.
Macarthur’s squad, managed by Mile Sterjovski, is built around a potent midfield pairing of Socceroos Anthony Caceres and Luke Brattan. The club has further strengthened its attack with offseason signings Ji Dong-won from Suwon FC and Rafael Duran. Young defender Will McKay could make his league debut, while Callum Talbot returns from suspension to bolster the back line.
One name looms largest for Brisbane’s defense: Harrison Sawyer. The towering centre-forward ended last season with a flourish, scoring four goals in his last four matches—all headers. He also netted Macarthur’s fifth in their previous meeting at Suncorp, underscoring a potential vulnerability in Brisbane’s defending of set-pieces (Betfred Insights).
Brisbane’s Home Form and Statistical Outlook
Last season was a tough one for Brisbane Roar, especially at home. The club finished twelfth, narrowly avoiding back-to-back wooden spoons, and picked up just eight points from thirteen home fixtures—losing nine times. The new campaign is a chance to turn that page, but the statistics are daunting.
Macarthur finished eighth and come into the match with momentum from recent AFC Champions League 2 fixtures, including a 3-0 win over Beijing Guoan. Brisbane, meanwhile, haven’t played a competitive game since mid-May, relying on pre-season form and the energy of their new signings.
Bookmakers give Brisbane a 44.4% chance to break their winless streak against Macarthur, with the Bulls at 36.4% to triumph again at Suncorp. The draw is set at 12/5, and both teams are expected to find the net, with over 3.5 total goals priced at 5/4 (Betfred Insights).
Match Details and Broadcast Information
Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, October 17, at 8:05pm AEST (9:05pm AEDT), following the season’s curtain-raiser between Adelaide United and Sydney FC. Fans can catch the match live on TNT Sports 4, with streaming options available via official platforms (Sporting News).
The Roar’s predicted lineup features Macklin Freke in goal, with Burke-Gilroy, Bility, Herrington, and McGarry across the back. Klein and captain O’Shea anchor the midfield, supported by Halloran, Hore, Brazete, and Long up front. For Macarthur, Filip Kurto is likely in goal, with Talbot, Uskok, Da Silva, and Politidis in defense; Ikonomidis, Randazzo, Brattan, and Bosnjak in midfield; Caceres and Sawyer leading the attack.
Injuries remain a concern for both sides. Macarthur will be without Bernardo, Frans Deli, and Sebastian Krslovic, while Brisbane’s absences have already forced tactical adjustments.
What’s at Stake: A Season of Renewal or More of the Same?
For Brisbane Roar, the stakes are clear. After a period of decline and fan frustration, the club has pressed reset—with a new coach, fresh faces, and a promise of unity and effort. The challenge now is converting that optimism into results, starting with breaking the Bulls’ spell at Suncorp Stadium.
Macarthur, meanwhile, arrive with confidence. Their unbeaten run against Brisbane is more than just a statistic; it’s a psychological edge. But with new faces in both squads and the unpredictability that comes with opening night, fans can expect a fiercely contested match, full of narrative twists and tactical gambits.
As the lights come on and the whistle blows, the question lingers: Will Brisbane Roar’s new era begin with a statement, or will Macarthur continue their dominance in Queensland?
Brisbane Roar’s season opener offers more than a fresh start—it’s a test of whether overhaul and optimism can overcome entrenched patterns and statistical odds. If Valkanis’ philosophy takes root and his new recruits settle quickly, the Roar may finally have the ingredients to challenge Macarthur’s dominance and reshape their own narrative.