Brisbane Roar return to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to host the reigning A-League champions, Auckland FC, looking to make it two wins from two to start the 26/27 A-League Men season.
Michael Valkanis’ side opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Perth Glory last Friday. Justin Vidic struck before half-time and Nam Tae-hee doubled the lead with a volley from outside the box. Nine players made their A-League Men debuts on the night, including 18-year-old goalkeeper George Plusnin.
Auckland arrive in Brisbane after a mixed start to their title defence. Under new head coach Pedro Moreira, they opened with a 3-1 home win over Melbourne City, with new signing Lachlan Bayliss scoring twice. Last week they were beaten 5-2 by Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta. Auckland will also head to Brisbane without striker Sam Cosgrove who has been suspended for Friday’s match.
Auckland are captained by Japanese international Hiroki Sakai, who will come up against Roar midfielder and South Korean international Nam Tae-hee.
Team News
Valkanis has named a 20-man squad, with academy graduates Niall Thom and Jordan Lauton promoted into the group.
Dimitri Valkanis remains unavailable with a leg injury.
Brisbane Roar A-League Men Squad:
1.Dean BOUZANIS (GK), 2.Jacob NASSO, 5.Tom ALDRED (C), 6.Noah MAIERONI, 8.Tyrese FRANCOIS, 9.Virgiliu POSTOLACHI, 10.Tae-hee NAM, 11.Marko ILIC, 13.Tate RUSSELL, 14.Emin DURAKOVIC, 15.Hosine BILITY, 16.Joel KING, 17.Justin VIDIC, 19.Sabit NGOR, 22.Nathan AMANATIDIS, 39.Niall THOM, 40.George PLUSNIN (GK), 41.Emmett SHAW, 44.Jordan LAUTON, 77.Milorad STAJIC
Ins: 39.Niall THOM (promoted), 44.Jordan LAUTON (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 3.Dimitri VALKANIS (Leg)
What Was Said
Head coach Michael Valkanis:
Midfielder Nam Tae-hee:
Head-to-Head
The Roar are still chasing their first win over Auckland FC. The sides have met four times since Auckland entered the competition in 2024, with Auckland winning three and one match drawn. The most recent meeting was a 2-0 win for Auckland at Suncorp Stadium in January.
Match Details
A-League Men, Matchweek 3
Brisbane Roar vs Auckland FC
Friday 30 October, 7pm AEST kick-off
Suncorp Stadium, Milton
