Hyundai A-League Champions Brisbane Roar have produced a polished first pre-season performance with an 8-1 win over Moreton Bay Jets at Ballymore Stadium on Wednesday night.
Lively attacker Henrique got his campaign underway in fine fashion with four goals, while Johnny Warren medallist Thomas Broich added a brace against the National Premier Leagues Queensland outfit.
Moreton Bay had a warning early when Broich’s defence-splitting pass allowed Henrique to sprint in on goal, but ‘keeper Luke Borean did well to skew the shot wide.
Matt Smith’s header from the resultant corner was cleared off the line by Chris Maticic, while Henrique went close again in the 18th minute.
A third chance proved to be enough for the Brazilian as a turnover at one end gave Dimitri Petratos space to dribble and assist the Grand Final hero for a tidy one-on-one finish in the 25th minute.
Minus experienced pair Jared Austin and Royce Brownlie, Moreton Bay found it tough to contain Broich who made it 2-0 via a clever off the ball run and clinical finish.
There was still time for Roar to add a third before the break when Devante Clut and Jack Hingert combined on the right, with the latter teeing up Henrique for a tap-in in the 38th minute.
An excited crowd was treated to more entertainment immediately after half time as Jets substitute Dane Forsyth pulled it back to 3-1 within moments of the restart, before Broich again assisted Henrique to respond within a minute and complete his hat-trick.
The scorer of five goals last season then volleyed a fourth from Shane Stefanutto’s accurate cross in the 56th minute to make it 5-1.
Jets coach Terry Kirkham still had cause for enthusiasm as midfielder Forsyth twice went close to doubling his account, first hitting the upright and then seeing a long-range effort cleared off the line by a back-pedalling James Donachie.
However, the scoreline would only improve for the premiers in the final 20 minutes as Broich’s second, a Moreton Bay own goal and a sweet Petratos strike sealed the 8-1 win.
The hit-out serves as preparation for Brisbane Roar ahead of their Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 match away to Stirling Lions, to be held in Perth on Tuesday, 19 August.
Moreton Bay, meanwhile, return to NPL Queensland action on Saturday evening when they host Northern Fury at Wolter Park.
Brisbane Roar 8 (HENRIQUE 25’, 38’, 49’, 56’ Thomas BROICH 30’, 69’ OG 85’ Dimitri PETRATOS 87’)
Moreton Bay Jets 1 (Dane FORSYTH 48’)
