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The Orange Army. (Brisbane Roar Official Thread)

"Our team will be built around shared principles, not set structures, with the objective being not how we play, but how we feel"

Not sure I like that...but if it works good on them.
How we feel!?!?!? FFS!!!

So you are playing games of professional football, but the objective is not about how you play? Sounds like he should be coaching mini-roos.
 
How we feel!?!?!? FFS!!!

So you are playing games of professional football, but the objective is not about how you play? Sounds like he should be coaching mini-roos.
I look at the record of his coaching and I figure it is something he does and he seems to have been an effective manager.

It sounds far too much like doing invitational surveys to help women's football for my liking.

I am prepared to sit back and let his methods prove themselves.

But it still sounds odd in a professional setup.

Then again - 'visualise the shot' can get good results...
 
Roar Email:
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Former Captain Tom Aldred Returns to Brisbane Roar

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Brisbane Roar is pleased to announce the signing of defender Tom Aldred on a one-year deal for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Aldred returns to Queensland after two seasons with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League, where he won both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup in 2024/25.

The experienced centre-back spent five seasons at Brisbane Roar from 2019/20 to 2023/24, playing 116 competitive matches for the Club. He captained the side during that spell, just the sixth men's captain in Club history, winning the Gary Wilkins Medal as Club Player of the Year in 2022/23, and led the team to a pair of finals series and the 2023 Australia Cup Final.

He returns as one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the competition and adds significant leadership to the mens squad.

Aldred became an Australian citizen in 2024. He returns as a local domestic player and does not occupy a visa position in the Roar squad.

Speaking on his return to the Club, Tom Aldred said: "When the opportunity came up to return to the Roar, the decision was an easy one.

"My family loved living in Brisbane and it was a privilege to wear the orange shirt for as long as I did during my five years here. I can't wait to reconnect with the members and fans, pull on that shirt again and give it my all for the Club."

Sporting Director James Gow said: "Tom is really passionate about Brisbane Roar and understands the culture we have worked to instil in the playing group.

"He is a defender who loves to defend, has vast experience and excellent leadership qualities and he has already led this Club as captain. Tom is a player who is respected by all at the football club.

"It was clear from the moment we spoke how much he wanted to come back and support the group. We're looking forward to seeing him in an orange shirt again."

Aldred will wear the number 5 jersey and arrive in Brisbane this weekend and will join the squad for pre-season as soon as possible.
 
Roar Email:


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Former Captain Tom Aldred Returns to Brisbane Roar



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Brisbane Roar is pleased to announce the signing of defender Tom Aldred on a one-year deal for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Aldred returns to Queensland after two seasons with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League, where he won both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup in 2024/25.

The experienced centre-back spent five seasons at Brisbane Roar from 2019/20 to 2023/24, playing 116 competitive matches for the Club. He captained the side during that spell, just the sixth men's captain in Club history, winning the Gary Wilkins Medal as Club Player of the Year in 2022/23, and led the team to a pair of finals series and the 2023 Australia Cup Final.

He returns as one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the competition and adds significant leadership to the mens squad.

Aldred became an Australian citizen in 2024. He returns as a local domestic player and does not occupy a visa position in the Roar squad.

Speaking on his return to the Club, Tom Aldred said: "When the opportunity came up to return to the Roar, the decision was an easy one.

"My family loved living in Brisbane and it was a privilege to wear the orange shirt for as long as I did during my five years here. I can't wait to reconnect with the members and fans, pull on that shirt again and give it my all for the Club."

Sporting Director James Gow said: "Tom is really passionate about Brisbane Roar and understands the culture we have worked to instil in the playing group.

"He is a defender who loves to defend, has vast experience and excellent leadership qualities and he has already led this Club as captain. Tom is a player who is respected by all at the football club.

"It was clear from the moment we spoke how much he wanted to come back and support the group. We're looking forward to seeing him in an orange shirt again."

Aldred will wear the number 5 jersey and arrive in Brisbane this weekend and will join the squad for pre-season as soon as possible.
This is good news in my books.

I liked Tom and his strength and organisation at the back.
 
Sorry, can’t agree. Aldred was cooked in his last season at Roar, and at nearly 36 I can’t imagine he has gotten any better by playing in India for two seasons.
I did consider that too - but we are pretty desperately short a captain and direction at the back.

I am expecting him to guide our whole defensive group to a more resilient structure and I am not expecting him to be first back when opposition players get in behind.

Our younger players need someone who knows the game with them or they will just play the way they did at lower levels.

Edit: I don't favour a goalkeeper captain.
 
I did consider that too - but we are pretty desperately short a captain and direction at the back.

I am expecting him to guide our whole defensive group to a more resilient structure and I am not expecting him to be first back when opposition players get in behind.

Our younger players need someone who knows the game with them or they will just play the way they did at lower levels.

Edit: I don't favour a goalkeeper captain.
If he and Valkanis are to be the first choice CBs, that poses a question for me as to how Valkanis Snr will set up the team. Is he going to employ a deep block? Or is he going to play higher and rely solely on Valkanis Jnr to cover any counter-attacks through the middle?
 
Maybe he does intend to sit back because I don't think Joel King is that quick either for a full back. Maybe I'm wrong about that but my impression has been that he's average pace.at best.
 
These sort of questions are why I am so keen to see us playing competitive games at the moment.

I have no idea how the team is shaping up and I'd love to know how Valkanis intends us to play.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Bility, Aldred and Valkanis playing 3 at the back. Trying for strength and resilience from Aldred when we are defending close to goals, with cover from Bility and Valkanis when we are higher up the pitch.

Are we going to see another half game defending then open play in the second half style or are we looking at being solid at the back and letting the rest look forward? Watching the Cup game, we were not really dominant or rampant in the first half, but we did look to be trying to play decent football. As early as we were in pre-season it is not unexpected for us to be flawed in our combinations and yet we had some excellent chances that we stuffed up.

I have never been scared when King came on as an opponent. He is more an up and back player than a sprinter so having three at the back is more likely to be where we are heading with him and Tate Russell moving forward rather than racing through. I am expecting them both to become something more when they play in orange of course :).
 
Just a passing thought.

Aldred is only signed to a one year contract. Maybe Valkanis wants his experience for a season to mentor our central defenders and help them with decision making for the future. Trying to set something up for more than just the next 12 months (while improving Dimi's future prospects).

We have needed a controller at the back for a couple of seasons now and we saw how fragile we were when we sold Herrington and lost our brilliant individual cover. Herrington covered up some clear flaws in our defensive group.
 

Tameka Yallop is leaving Brisbane Roar as their all-time record women's appearance holder and leading goalscorer, having played 179 matches for them in addition to finding the back of the net 74 times as she makes the move to Wellington Phoenix ahead of Dub season 2026-27 getting underway, with the club also confirming that her number 13 jersey is being retired, the first time in club history this has occurred for either the men's or women's playing lists.
 

Tameka Yallop is leaving Brisbane Roar as their all-time record women's appearance holder and leading goalscorer, having played 179 matches for them in addition to finding the back of the net 74 times as she makes the move to Wellington Phoenix ahead of Dub season 2026-27 getting underway, with the club also confirming that her number 13 jersey is being retired, the first time in club history this has occurred for either the men's or women's playing lists.
#DeadToMe

At least she has ditched us for an international move. Wouldn't be right if she had gone to a rival for such a trivial thing as family.

Tameka has been around our club in her different stints for so many years. Sorry to see her go and do wish her all the best - except against us of course.
 
Retiring kits numbers of now rival players in your league, giving presentantions after matches to every minor milestone actived (50 game in aleague, 50 games for roar, 50 games from the bench etc) but canceling exit meetings and informing players of non renewal of contacts via voice message. The way we deal with players is so odd.

What a tinpot club we are sometimes.
 
Retiring kits numbers of now rival players in your league, giving presentantions after matches to every minor milestone actived (50 game in aleague, 50 games for roar, 50 games from the bench etc) but canceling exit meetings and informing players of non renewal of contacts via voice message. The way we deal with players is so odd.

What a tinpot club we are sometimes.
It's very different here. She doesn't even wanna leave, she has to because of her wife's family.

She's one of the most legendary players, male or female, to have ever come out of Brisbane Roar. I think retiring her jersey, especially as her career likely comes to an end, is a touching and respectful gesture.

#DeadToMe

At least she has ditched us for an international move. Wouldn't be right if she had gone to a rival for such a trivial thing as family.

Tameka has been around our club in her different stints for so many years. Sorry to see her go and do wish her all the best - except against us of course.
It's not trivial. Even if she has a pro contract, ALW wages just aren't good enough compared to Matildas wages (which she doesn't get anymore). In this current economy having two kids is difficult to afford, even if you're middle-class (which most people are).
 

Tameka Yallop is leaving Brisbane Roar as their all-time record women's appearance holder and leading goalscorer, having played 179 matches for them in addition to finding the back of the net 74 times as she makes the move to Wellington Phoenix ahead of Dub season 2026-27 getting underway, with the club also confirming that her number 13 jersey is being retired, the first time in club history this has occurred for either the men's or women's playing lists.
Heartfelt video.

 
It's very different here. She doesn't even wanna leave, she has to because of her wife's family.

She's one of the most legendary players, male or female, to have ever come out of Brisbane Roar. I think retiring her jersey, especially as her career likely comes to an end, is a touching and respectful gesture.
No problem with her leaving.

No problem with her number being retired after she has actually retired. (I do find it odd that she is legend enough to get the honour but McKay isn’t for example).

However you do not give that honour to an active player at another club in your league. You wait until the player has finished.
 
It's very different here. She doesn't even wanna leave, she has to because of her wife's family.

She's one of the most legendary players, male or female, to have ever come out of Brisbane Roar. I think retiring her jersey, especially as her career likely comes to an end, is a touching and respectful gesture.


It's not trivial. Even if she has a pro contract, ALW wages just aren't good enough compared to Matildas wages (which she doesn't get anymore). In this current economy having two kids is difficult to afford, even if you're middle-class (which most people are).
I totally agree - my 'trivial' comment was 100% tongue in cheek.
 
No problem with her leaving.

No problem with her number being retired after she has actually retired. (I do find it odd that she is legend enough to get the honour but McKay isn’t for example).

However you do not give that honour to an active player at another club in your league. You wait until the player has finished.
Captain Matty deserves it too.

Both players said "We are Brisbane Roar".

Then again - as young players come through, the chance to wear their number is no small responsibility and no small thing.

Giving Broich's number to Alex Parsons was a moment for him - fully aware of whose number it was and how he wanted to represent the club.

Hold the numbers until you find someone worthy to wear it with distinction. She/He amongst us who can draw this shirt from the rock...

I don't hold the same strength of opinion about Yallop's number when she has not retired - but I understand where you are coming from. I ask myself if her contribution to the club is lessened by going to a competitor and while it isn't exactly clear cut for me I have to end up saying No it isn't lessened.
 
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Indonesia here we come!

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Brisbane Roar are proud to announce to its valued members first that the men’s team will travel to Indonesia this August, to take part in a two-game pre-season tour in Jakarta, with matches scheduled against Dewa United and sister club, Persija Jakarta.

The first match will see Michael Valkanis’ men face Dewa United behind closed doors at Banten International Stadium on Thursday, 27th August, kicking off at 3:30pm local time. The match will also see former Roar forward and Indonesian international Rafael Struick line up against his old club, a year on from departing Brisbane.

The second match will see the Roar take on Persija Jakarta at Jakarta International Stadium on Saturday, 29th August at 8pm local time. There is also Roar connection in the home dugout too, with Persija coached by former Roar player Shin Tae-yong.

The Persija match will signify a historical moment for both clubs, with the Roar and Persija facing off for the first time as sister clubs of one another, sharing the same owners in the Bakrie Group.

The international friendly matches offer Michael Valkanis and his squad two very strong Liga 1 opposition ahead of the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta said the tour was a defining moment for the club.

"This is a piece of history for our football club, and a trip we have been working on for some time, and we are going there to be tested, and continue our preparations for the A-League season.

“We are grateful to both clubs for hosting us, and we want this to be the start of something long term rather than a one off as we continue to work with our partners in Indonesia.

“Whilst we look forward to facing a tough, Dewa United, we are of course very excited to be facing our sister club, Persija Jakarta for the first time which will serve as an historic occasion for both clubs carrying the shareholders name.”

Further details on the tour, including broadcast information and squad availability, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
 
Roar News:
Brisbane Roar’s B Team will compete outside NPL Queensland next season following Friday night’s 2-1 defeat to Gold Coast Knights.
While the outcome is disappointing, the Club remains committed to the purpose of its B Team programme: providing talented young Queensland footballers with meaningful senior football minutes and preparing them for the demands of the professional game.


Throughout the season, Brisbane Roar has continued to field the youngest squad in the competition, with the majority of players aged 19 or under and regularly competing against experienced senior opposition.
The pathway has continued to produce players for Brisbane Roar’s A-League Men’s squad. Over the past 18 months, eight players have progressed from the B Team to represent the Club at professional level.


Noah Maieroni and Emmett Shaw both made their Isuzu UTE A-League Men debuts last season after progressing through the B Team, while Lucas Herrington’s pathway ultimately led to a move to the English Premier League.


This season, Archie Mitchell, George Plusnin and Oscar Page have also signed long-term scholarship agreements with the Club after progressing through the same pathway.

Brisbane Roar Sporting Director James Gow said the Club would continue to place player development at the centre of the programme.
“Naturally, we would prefer to be competing in NPL Queensland next season, but the fundamental purpose of our B Team is to develop players capable of playing professional football.

“We have a talented group of young Queensland players coming through the Club and our focus is on continuing to challenge them, accelerate their development and create genuine opportunities for them to progress into our first team.”

Brisbane Roar will continue to invest in its youth pathway and provide opportunities for Queensland’s best young players to progress towards senior professional football.

The Club thanks its supporters for their continued support of the B Team and its young players throughout the season.
 
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