Jack Hingert says he can’t wait to be back in front of an ‘electric’ Dolphin Stadium crowd when the Roar open its A-League campaign on Tuesday evening.
The Roar, who were originally scheduled to get their campaign underway against the Wellington Phoenix, will now face Melbourne City as part of a Westfield W-League/A-League double header in line with Government health and travel regulations.
JOIN NOW: Become a Brisbane Roar 2020/21 member
TICKETS: Be there for the season opener this Tuesday night
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Matchday Guide
The late change hasn’t hindered preparations with the experienced defender saying the squad have become accustomed to rolling with the punches in an unpredictable year.
“We’ve had to adapt. We have to play every team throughout the season regardless and we still have plenty of time and some sessions to work on City’s specific structures,” Hingert said.
“We’re quite lucky, we’re still able to play and get the season started. We’ve learned to adapt – it could be a lot worse.”
Tuesday’s return to Dolphin Stadium will be just the third A-League fixture to be played at the venue, but already the second against City – the first being a seven-goal thriller which the Roar edged in November 2019.
Hingert is hopeful of another sell-out crowd to make life difficult for Tuesday’s opposition.
“The thing with Dolphin Stadium, with its capacity, the crowd was honestly electric,” Hingert added.
“Anyone that came to that game last time against City, I’m sure they’ll be itching to get back – that was one of the best games I saw all season.
“It’s going to be a great spectacle for the fans.”
Former Roar striker Jamie Maclaren will be one of a number of familiar faces lining up in sky blue on Tuesday night, as will former Brisbane midfielder Aiden O’Neill.
As part of the backline tasked at keeping Maclaren at bay, Hingert says the defending Golden Boot winner will have a fair bit of attention.
“We know he’s a dangerous player, he just has that striker’s instinct,” Hingert said on Maclaren.
“Players like Tom Aldred & Macaulay Gillesphey are going to be keeping a close eye on him, sticking pretty close and I believe that they’ll do the job on him.
“If they can stop him from scoring, then we as a back four are doing our job.”
