Brisbane Roar kick off their 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s campaign against Macarthur FC at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 17 October, marking the start of a new era under head coach Michael Valkanis.
Valkanis, one of three new A-League coaches this season, has made it clear that his mission is to “bring the Roar back in Brisbane.” After several lean years for one of the league’s most storied clubs, the former Ajax and Greece assistant says the goal is simple: restore the pride and performance that once defined the orange jersey.
Valkanis told A-Leagues media that his side will play with attacking intent and discipline — qualities he believes can revive Brisbane’s identity.
“We haven’t come here to participate in the A-League,” Valkanis said this week. “We come here to fight and to win and to make our supporters very proud.”
A New Era Under Valkanis
Brisbane’s three-time champions have been far removed from their historic highs, missing the finals in four straight seasons and failing to win a finals match since 2017. But Valkanis is determined to change that. Drawing inspiration from the success of fellow Brisbane teams — the Broncos and Lions — he has challenged his squad to match that energy and commitment.
“How can that not excite you?” he told A-Leagues reporters. “That’s been a theme of ours from day one — we’re going to raise that energy level, we’re going to raise that intensity, and we’re going to give it all we’ve got.”
Since replacing Ruben Zadkovich, Valkanis and the football department have rebuilt the roster with a focus on mentality and team balance. “We’ve worked diligently over the last five months,” he said. “We focused on the right profile and personalities — we brought in a lot of winners with a winning mentality, because we go there to win, we play to win.”
Among those new signings are English striker Christopher Long, Bosnian midfielder Milorad Stajic, Greek playmaker Georgios Vrakas, New Zealand international James McGarry, Costa Rica’s Youstin Salas, and goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis. Local young talents Jordan Lauton, Matthew Dench, and Dimitri Valkanis have also joined, while defender Hosine Bility returns on a permanent deal.
Valkanis insists the Roar’s identity will be built on unity rather than individualism. “I don’t believe in individuals,” he said. “We’ve got a team that’s very strong, and within that team, every individual will shine.”
Fresh Faces and Future Focus
The club has confirmed its full squad numbers for the 2025/26 season, signalling a settled core around which the new recruits can gel. That includes 17-year-old forward Noah Maieroni, who recently signed his first professional contract.
Brisbane will also unveil their new home, away, and third kits on Friday night — designs that nod to the club’s history while marking a modern refresh for the new campaign.
Home Advantage and Rival Record
Friday’s clash will be the Roar’s first at Suncorp Stadium since their off-season overhaul, and the return to their traditional home carries extra significance. It was at Suncorp where Brisbane built their legacy under Ange Postecoglou, lifting championships and thrilling home crowds with free-flowing football.
The club has encouraged fans to “paint the stadium orange” for Round 1, with family-friendly activities and merchandise events planned before kick-off. Brisbane hold a narrow edge in past meetings with Macarthur FC, but both sides enter the opener eager to make a statement after reshaping their squads.
Macarthur’s attacking pace will test Brisbane’s rebuilt defence — a unit that conceded 51 goals last season but now features new additions like McGarry, Salas, and Bility.
Matchday Details
Kick-off is set for 8:05 pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets and memberships remain available through the Brisbane Roar website. Watch the match live on Paramount+ and Network 10, with coverage starting shortly before kick-off.
Published 16-Oct-2025
