Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren is not taking any extra emotion in to tomorrow night’s Westfield FFA Cup Clash against Perth Glory at Ballymore Stadium (7:30pm KO Qld time).
The 23-year-old signed for Brisbane from the Glory last off-season but is squarely focused on playing his part as the Roar begin their 2016 Westfield FFA Cup campaign..
“There may be some history there, but I’m a professional footballer and I just have to focus on the next game no matter who the opposition is,” Maclaren said.
“I’m just looking forward to getting out there tomorrow night and hopefully putting one in the net.”
He is expecting a stern test from the Glory however, and hopes the Roar faithful come to Ballymore and support the Roar in their first ever cup clash in Queensland.
“They’ve recruited some good players. They’re a solid side and we had some good encounters last season and both sides will be up for the challenge,” he said.
“I believe there will be a good crowd turn out. We had some great crowds at home last year and it will be good for the supporters to see us in our first competitive game.
“There’s nothing better than having competitive fixtures in pre-season and if we win, we get another one in a few weeks which is great for our preparation for the season proper.”
The Roar and Glory met three times during the 2015/16 Hyundai A-League season with the home side taking the points on each occasion, the Roar winning the ledger 2-1.
The two sides however have never met in the Westfield FFA Cup and Perth Glory have never played at Ballymore Stadium. Tickets will be available for purchase at the venue, or you can pre-book your tickets HERE.
Brisbane Roar fans will have to wait a little longer to see their latest import in the Roar kit as Danish international Thomas Kristensen will not be included in Wednesday night’s squad.
The side is however expected to feature recruits Jacob Pepper and Joey Katebian for their Brisbane Roar debuts. Aloisi expects the Roar to play the same attractive brand of football the club has become synonymous with.
“We like to play an attacking style of football and that’s been the Brisbane Roar way for a while now,” Aloisi said.
“We are always looking to improve. We want to dominate possession and focus on playing a high tempo brand of football.
“We play for our fans and it’s what the supporters have come to expect from Brisbane Roar.”
2016 Johnny Warren medalist Diego Castro will not travel with the Glory, but dangerman Andy Keogh and new signing Socceroo Rhys Williams are expected to be included in Kenny Lowe’s side.
While the clash is taking place almost two months before the start of the Hyundai A-League season, the Roar will take the same desire to win into the clash with the Glory and look for invaluable match practice.
“We take every game seriously. At training this morning I made sure the training game was serious because you have to have that winning mentality,” Aloisi said.
‘”In pre-season it’s important to get some kilometres in the legs and it will be a good chance against a good team, to see where Perth [Glory] are at hopefully put on a good show for our supporters.
“One thing I can guarantee is that the boys will leave everything on the pitch as they always do.”
Brisbane’s Fan Day begins at 2pm at Ballymore Stadium which will feature fun for the entire family including junior clinics run by our Young Roar and Westfield W-League teams and live entertainment. Entry is Free.
Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase Memberships at the Fan Day and online from 9am tomorrow. More details on the wide range of membership packages can be viewed HERE.
Following the conclusion of the Fan Day, gates to Ballymore Stadium will open at 5:30pm with kick-off at 7:30pm. No special public transport services will be running and patrons are encouraged to plan their trip at www.translink.com.au.
Free parking will be available for fans inside the Ballymore Stadium precinct. Entry via Clyde Rd.
