Stepping into the starting line-up for Sunday’s clash against Sydney FC, Macklin Freke is ready to take the opportunity with both hands.
Making his Isuzu UTE A-league debut in the Roar’s 2-1 win over the Newcastle Jets during the 2020/21 campaign, Freke would go on to make another appearance against Adelaide United that season.
Having suitably impressed, he was handed the gloves at the outset of the 2021/22 campaign in a show of confidence from Warren Moon and the Roar coaching staff.
While Jordan Holmes, who lives with both Freke, would take the reigns as the number one pick between the sticks, a red card for a challenge on Nicholas D’Agostino last weekend will see him serving a one-match suspension.
Freke came on to replace his housemate, making several saves while playing with an injury to secure his side a point in their scoreless draw.
“It was nice to come on and make a few saves and keep a clean sheet but full credit to the defence and everyone else in the team,” he said.
With the Roar preparing to take on the Sky Blues at Moreton Daily Stadium, the 23-year-old is relishing the opportunity to his first Starting XI of the campaign.
“I live with Jordie. We are good mates, we train together every day but hopefully, I can take this chance and see what comes of it,” Freke said.
“I’m excited to get back out there and get another start under my name.”
Freke a Roar man through and through.
Born and raised in the Queensland capital, Freke grew up supporting the club. He was even at the home grand final against the Central Coast Mariners in 2011.
He wasn’t always a goalkeeper, playing cricket growing up before injuries set him on the path to football.
Coming through The Gap and Brisbane City as a junior, he had a trial with the Roar youth team in 2014 and has been around ever since.
Freke has been part of several National Premier League Men’s campaigns as well as the successful Y-League championship team that beat the Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 in the Grand Final.
“I’ve been with the Roar for six or seven years now. I won the Y-League with them (in 2019) and did a bit of Young Socceroos stuff as well,” Freke said.
“When you look back at all of that, it gives you confidence. You’ve got experience from that so rely on that to get you through. I have only played 15 games so I am learning a lot.
“I always looked up to Mark Schwarzer. That penalty shootout to qualify for the World Cup gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.”
There was also some light-hearted humour from the Ashgrove native when asked whether goalkeepers keep a tidy house.
“One of us does and the one with long hair doesn’t,” he grinned.
Brisbane Roar takes on Sydney FC on Sunday 6 November at Moreton Daily Stadium from 2pm AEST.
