A quick look around Sunshine Coast Stadium offered a glimpse of the momentum building at Brisbane Roar as Michael Valkanis ushers in a new era for the Isuzu UTE A-League side.
A crowd of 6,185 fans were in attendance for Brisbane’s 2-0 pre-season win over Central Coast Mariners on the weekend.
On a memorable day on the Sunshine Coast, new signings Justin Vidic and James McGarry were on target against the three-time Isuzu UTE A-League champions as the Roar continue their preparations for the 2025-26 campaign.
Former Ajax and Greece assistant Valkanis is at the helm after leaving Turkish top-flight side Adana Demirspor in September last year and there is momentum building, on and off the field, in Brisbane.
“It’s amazing,” Valkanis said post-match via Roar media as Brisbane eye a return to the Finals Series for the first time since 2020-21. “It just goes to show what the people really want to see. They want to see a team that’s not only going to play good football but fight for them as well and never give up, and give 100%. Make them proud.
“They felt that going around giving autographs and taking photos. People were thanking us for what we gave them today. That I love because I want the players to listen to that and hear that because it’s so important what we’ve done so far – going out to different teams in the community and regions. I want that connection with players and supporters. We’re getting that.
“I want them to jump on that journey with us. They have to feel what we’re trying to do and together, achieve something special this season. Come on the journey with us, become members and support these guys. They are going to give everything.
“The players are feeling it. They know it’s still a long way to go until the season starts but we know where we’re heading it and together with the supporters, I think we can achieve something special.”
Valkanis, whose Roar also drew a full house for their pre-season fixture against 2024-25 premiers Auckland in Newmarket, added: “We are on the right road. We’re not exactly where I want to be just yet.
“We’ve spoken about that with players but we know where we want to get it and it’s going to take a little bit more work.”
