Brisbane Roar Football Club can today confirm that long-serving A-League Men’s player Jay O’Shea will depart at the conclusion of his contract, concluding a seven-year chapter in orange that stands among the most loyal individual careers in Club history.
O’Shea arrived in Brisbane from Bury FC in June 2019, signing alongside the appointment of Head Coach Robbie Fowler. What followed was a tenure defined by consistency, loyalty and an unmistakable desire to help the team win, qualities that saw the Irishman, now an Australian citizen, grow from new arrival to Club Captain.
Across Jay’s time at the Club, he:
• Made over 150 A-League appearances for Brisbane Roar, one of only eight players in Club history to reach that milestone and ranking fourth in all-time Roar appearances.
• Won the Gary Wilkins Medal (Club Champion) on three occasions, equal with Thomas Broich for the most in Club history.
• Claimed the Players’ Player award six times.
• Was twice awarded the Club’s Golden Boot.
• Was named in the PFA A-League Team of the Season for 2020-21 and 2022-23.
• Represented the Isuzu UTE A-League as an All Star on two occasions.
Brisbane Roar Chairman and CEO Kaz Patafta said O’Shea’s impact on the Club extended well beyond the record books.
“Jay arrived in Brisbane as a quality footballer and leaves as a genuine Brisbane Roar great,” Patafta said. “Three Gary Wilkins Medals, six Players’ Player awards and the captaincy of this football club, numbers that speak for themselves, but they don’t capture everything Jay has given us. His professionalism, his standards and the way he’s led this group, on and off the field, have shaped a new generation of players who’ve come through our club.
“On behalf of everyone at Brisbane Roar, I want to sincerely thank Jay for everything he has given us. We hope to have the opportunity at a home game in the 2026/27 season to recognise his contribution and give him the send-off he deserves in front of our members and fans.”
Brisbane Roar COO Zac Anderson echoed Patafta’s sentiments, praising O’Shea’s leadership and influence on the Club.”Every day in training, every game, Jay set the standard. Our younger players have learned what it means to be a professional by watching how Jay conducts himself. I want to thank Jay for his commitment to this Club and to this team, and for example he has set for everyone who wears our jersey,” Anderson said.
Brisbane Roar looks forward to celebrating Jay’s career in orange in the 2026/27 A-League season.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ANae4FiFSs
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