Brisbane Roar FC
| File:Brisbane Roar FC logo.svg Club logo | |
| Company type | Professional soccer club |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports |
| Predecessor | Queensland Lions F.C. |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Bakrie Group (owner) |
| Products | Football (soccer) teams (men's, women's, youth) |
| Owner | Bakrie Group |
| Website | brisbaneroar |
Brisbane Roar Football Club is a professional soccer team located in Brisbane, Queensland, competing at the highest level of men's football in Australia, the A-League Men.
The club originated from Queensland Lions F.C. and was admitted into the A-League following recommendations from the Crawford Report and the creation of the FFA under Frank Lowy. Initially branded as Queensland Roar, the team adopted the name Brisbane Roar in 2009. The club has won two Premiership titles and three Championships, and it holds the league record for the longest unbeaten run, spanning 36 games.
Orange serves as the team's main colour, symbolizing its Dutch roots. For the 2024–25 season, which celebrates the A-League's 20th anniversary, Brisbane Roar reverted to its traditional orange and blue kit.
Their home fixtures are hosted at Lang Park in Milton, with other venues occasionally used, particularly during disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2011, ownership has been with the Bakrie Group. The club enjoys robust support from fan groups such as "The Den" and the "Roar Supporters Federation." Although it does not have an official anthem, Brisbane Roar consistently ranks among the A-League clubs with the highest average attendance, reflecting its strong market influence.
Brisbane Roar shares its historical roots with Queensland Lions FC, which competed under the name Queensland Roar during the A-League's inaugural season.
Background
Established in 1957 by Dutch migrants as Hollandia-Inala, the club later became known as 'Brisbane Lions' before adopting the Queensland Roar identity for the first three A-League seasons from 2005–06 to 2008–09, eventually transitioning to 'Brisbane Roar.'
Since entering the A-League, Brisbane Roar has earned two Premierships, three Championships, and appeared in five AFC Champions League campaigns.
The club's youth squad participates in both the A-League Youth and NPL Queensland, while its women's team competes in the A-League Women and NPLQ-W competitions. Youth fixtures are mainly held at Roar’s Centre of Excellence, whereas women's matches take place across multiple Brisbane venues including Heritage Park, Goodwin Park, QSAC, A.J. Kelly Park, Perry Park, and occasionally at Suncorp Stadium.
Origins as Hollandia-Inala F.C. (1957–1970s)
Brisbane Roar’s beginnings date back to 1957 when Dutch immigrants founded Hollandia F.C.[1] The club maintained this name until 1973 when a directive from the Queensland Soccer Federation required teams to adopt non-ethnic names to appeal to a wider community beyond migrant groups.
Brisbane Lions F.C. era (1973–2004)
Situated in Brisbane’s Richlands area, the club took on the name Brisbane Lions during the 1970s and became a founding participant in the National Soccer League (NSL) in 1977. They competed there until 1988 before returning to play in the Brisbane Premier League.
During the 1990s, after a legal conflict with the Australian rules football team also called Brisbane Lions, this soccer club rebranded as Queensland Lions FC after securing compensation related to naming rights.
At the close of 2004, Queensland Lions exited local Senior Men's competitions to join the newly formed National A-League under the name Queensland Roar. Their Premier Youth squad remained active in local competitions. Following three financially difficult seasons under Brisbane Roar branding, ownership was transferred away from Queensland Lions who then reinstated their men's team within regional leagues.
Entry into the A-League (2004)
In 2004, Queensland Lions transitioned into the A-League under the name Queensland Roar, continuing their training and operations at Richlands. During the league's establishment phase, Brisbane submitted two separate proposals; on 1 November 2004, the bid led by Queensland Lions was chosen to manage Brisbane’s franchise. The official announcement of Queensland Roar FC came on 2 March 2005.
The club's board featured chairman John Ribot, previously CEO of NRL teams Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm; deputy chairman Gary Wilkins, a former Queensland and Australian international player; and CEO Lawrence Oudendyk, who simultaneously held the CEO position at Queensland Lions.
Initial A-League Period (2004–2009)
Miron Bleiberg was appointed as the first manager on 2 March 2005 but stepped down during his second season on 12 November 2006. He was succeeded three days later by former Australian head coach Frank Farina.
Farina’s leadership revitalized the team, which narrowly missed qualifying for its inaugural finals due to goal difference. In the 2007–08 campaign, the Roar reached the finals for the first time, securing a 2–0 win over rivals Sydney FC in the semi-final second leg before a contentious 3–2 defeat to eventual champions Newcastle Jets in the preliminary final. The subsequent season saw Farina guide the Roar back to the finals, where they triumphed over Central Coast Mariners 4–2 on aggregate but were eliminated by Adelaide United in the preliminary final.
On 10 October 2009, Farina was arrested for drink-driving and subsequently suspended by the club. Assistant coach Rado Vidošić assumed caretaker duties during this interim, including overseeing a 1–0 home loss in the M1 Derby. Farina was officially dismissed on 14 October 2009, prompting a search for a new manager to complete the season.
Rebranding as Brisbane Roar (2009)
In 2009, following the admission of two additional Queensland teams—Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury—into the A-League, the club formally adopted the name Brisbane Roar Football Club.
This change represented the fifth rebranding in the club’s history after Hollandia-Inala, Brisbane Lions, Queensland Lions, and Queensland Roar.
Postecoglou Leadership Era (2009–2012)
Ange Postecoglou took over mid-season amid a challenging campaign that concluded as the club's poorest performance, finishing second from bottom. For the 2010–11 season, he revamped the squad by phasing out veterans such as Charlie Miller, Craig Moore, and Danny Tiatto, integrating a mix of youth and seasoned players. Adopting an attacking style focused on possession, Postecoglou steered the team to its first premiership and secured its inaugural Double by winning the 2011 A-League Grand Final before a record crowd of 50,168 spectators. The club also set an Australian sporting record with a 36-game unbeaten run spanning parts of both the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons. Despite speculation about his future, Postecoglou committed to a three-year contract extension.
Although expectations were high for the 2011–12 season, Brisbane endured a club-record sequence of five consecutive losses following their unbeaten streak’s conclusion. Remaining steadfast to his tactical approach, Postecoglou guided the team to lose only once across their final 14 regular-season matches, finishing as league runners-up. While they did not retain the Premiers Plate, they captured consecutive championships by winning the 2012 A-League Grand Final in front of a new club-record attendance of 50,344 fans. Postecoglou also led Brisbane Roar during their debut participation in the 2012 Asian Champions League, securing two draws from four fixtures.
On 24 April 2012, Postecoglou parted ways with Brisbane Roar by mutual agreement to seek "a new challenge," departing as the club’s most successful manager. It was later disclosed that he had not renewed his contract after the 2010–11 season due to uncertainties regarding ownership, allowing his original two-year agreement to expire and enabling him to join Melbourne Victory without requiring a transfer fee.
Mulvey period (2012–2014)
On 25 April 2012, Rado Vidošić was elevated to the position of manager after spending seven years as Assistant Manager. By 18 December 2012, Vidošić transitioned to the role of technical director, with Mike Mulvey, who was coaching the Melbourne Victory women's squad at the time, stepping in as head coach. Vidošić's managerial stint lasted just thirteen matches before this shift, mirroring the brief tenure offered to Postecoglou earlier that year. The 2012–13 campaign concluded with the Roar placing fifth, largely propelled by striker Besart Berisha’s fourteen goals. The team advanced to the semi-finals but was defeated 2–0 by reigning premiers Western Sydney Wanderers.
During the 2013–14 season, the Roar claimed victory in eight of their opening ten fixtures, ultimately securing the premiership with a dominant performance. Standout contributors included Ivan Franjic, Luke Brattan, and Dimitri Petratos, while former captain Matt McKay provided added midfield strength. Brisbane triumphed in the grand final, overcoming Western Sydney Wanderers 2–1 after extra time. Following the season, key departures saw club icon Besart Berisha transfer to Melbourne Victory and versatile star Ivan Franjic move to Torpedo Moscow.
Frans Thijssen (interim) 2015
After a disappointing start to the 2014–15 season, Mulvey resigned from his head coaching duties. Frans Thijssen was appointed as caretaker manager for the remainder of the campaign.
Thijssen’s term commenced with a 1–1 draw against Perth Glory and concluded with a narrow 1–2 defeat to Urawa Red Diamonds. Over 28 matches under his guidance, the team recorded eleven wins, five draws, and twelve losses.
In December, captain Matt Smith departed for Bangkok Glass, with former captain and fan favorite Matt McKay stepping into the leadership role. Brisbane ended the season in sixth place, securing a finals berth but being eliminated after a 2–1 loss to Adelaide United in the elimination final.
John Aloisi era (2015–2018)
John Aloisi was named head coach on 26 May 2015. Despite off-field challenges linked to ownership during his inaugural season, Aloisi guided Brisbane Roar to a third-place finish, narrowly missing out on the championship by a single point behind Adelaide.
The club’s performance in 2015–16 earned them qualification for the 2017 Asian Champions League. After overcoming Global F.C. and Shanghai Greenland Shenhua F.C., Brisbane reached the ACL Group Stage for their fourth appearance. Unfortunately, they exited after securing one victory against four defeats, including a heavy 6–0 loss to Ulsan Hyundai FC. Alongside Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s 5–1 defeat to Shanghai SIPG F.C., this round was labeled "the darkest day in Australian club football" by Fox Sports analysts.
The following season began poorly with a 5–1 FFA Cup defeat at Perry Park against Melbourne Victory FC, featuring an experimental squad. Brisbane endured their worst-ever start to a season—winless after six matches—before achieving a 3–1 win over Melbourne City FC, highlighted by defender Avraam Papadopoulos scoring twice. The team’s form improved subsequently with victories over Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Adelaide United FC, and Perth Glory FC.
After finishing third in 2016–17, Roar entered the Asian Champions League second qualifying round facing off against Ceres-Negros F.C. at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.
Results continued to improve with wins against Central Coast Mariners FC, Adelaide United FC, and surprising triumphs over champions Sydney FC and grand final victors Melbourne Victory FC. The Roar secured sixth place and qualified for the A-League Finals Series but were eliminated following a 2–0 loss to Melbourne City in the preliminary final.
Post-season developments included relocating into a $10 million custom-built training facility in Logan City, recruiting a new strength and conditioning coach from Western Sydney Wanderers, hiring an English Premier League physiotherapist, and appointing Darren Davies as second assistant coach at Aloisi’s request. Early player acquisitions ensured that 21 out of 23 squad members reported for pre-season training amid growing optimism alongside near-record membership and sponsorship figures.
The team exited early from the FFA Cup once again, losing 1–0 at home to Melbourne City before setting a club-record FFA Cup attendance of 6,151 at Dolphin Oval.
Ahead of the new season, Aloisi expressed strong confidence in his squad following an almost flawless pre-season free from distractions, stating that his team "has never been better."
The campaign commenced with a 1–1 draw against Central Coast Mariners FC witnessed by nearly 15,000 fans. This was followed by a goalless draw versus Wellington Phoenix FC attracting over 15,000 spectators. Away fixtures included a 2–2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers and a narrow 1–2 loss at Perth Glory FC. After four winless games against lower-ranked clubs, Roar secured a vital 2–0 home victory over Melbourne City, positioning themselves back into finals contention.
However, four successive defeats ensued—including conceding four goals in consecutive matches—dropping Brisbane Roar to ninth place on the ladder. Amid criticism concerning player age and overall performance levels, Aloisi resigned on 28 December 2018 as the club sat second-last after managing only one win in nine matches—the poorest start in Brisbane Roar’s history. His departure marked him as the club’s longest-serving manager.
Darren Davies (interim) 2019
Following Aloisi's exit, Darren Davies stepped in as the interim head coach. His spell began with a 2–1 defeat to Sydney FC and a 2–2 stalemate against Newcastle Jets. On 23 April 2019, the club revealed Robbie Fowler as the incoming head coach, with Davies managing the last A-League fixture on ANZAC Day.
Davies' final game saw a 5–3 home loss to Adelaide United in front of nearly 12,000 spectators, including Fowler. Over his 18 matches in charge, Davies recorded 3 victories, 3 draws, and 12 defeats, with the team scoring 28 goals and conceding 54. The season ended with Roar placed ninth on the table and an average home crowd of 9,632, ranking fourth highest in the league.
Fowler era (2019–2020)
Shortly after Fowler's appointment, Tony Grant joined his coaching team. In late April 2019, the club released fourteen players, among them marquee signing Eric Bautheac, indicating a major squad restructuring.
Fowler’s inaugural signing was Roy O'Donovan from Newcastle United Jets in June 2019. His competitive debut culminated in a 2–0 away victory over reigning champions Sydney FC during the FFA Cup on 7 August 2019.
On 29 June 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Roar announced Fowler’s departure. He concluded his tenure with a win percentage of 45%, securing 10 wins across 22 A-League matches.
Warren Moon era (2020–2023)
Following Fowler’s exit, Warren Moon was promoted from within to permanent head coach on a contract without a fixed term while maintaining his role overseeing the academy. As a former "A-League Foundation Player," Moon guided the squad to fourth place in his initial full season before being eliminated by Adelaide United in the elimination final. The team also advanced to the Australia Cup semi-finals under his guidance. However, in his second full campaign, Brisbane Roar slipped to eleventh position, resulting in Moon’s dismissal on 20 February 2023. Across 75 games, his record comprised 22 wins, 22 draws, and 31 losses.
Nick Green era (2023 R18 to EOS)
After Moon’s departure, Nick Green was named interim head coach until season’s end. Green oversaw nine matches, achieving four victories, four defeats, and one draw.
Ross Aloisi era (2023)
Ross Aloisi took over as head coach on 2 May 2023. He marked his debut with a successful 3–2 Australia Cup victory over Newcastle Jets and led Brisbane Roar to their first Australia Cup final during preseason, ultimately falling 3–1 to Sydney FC due to Suncorp Stadium being unavailable. Aloisi managed nine A-League fixtures, recording four wins and three losses before unexpectedly resigning on Christmas Eve 2023. Assistant Luciano Trani stepped in for one match—an 8–1 defeat at Melbourne City—before Ben Cahn assumed coaching responsibilities for five games but departed citing personal reasons. This sequence resulted in four coaching changes within just over one month.
Ruben Zadkovich era (2024–2025)
Replacing Ben Cahn on an interim basis, Ruben Zadkovich guided Brisbane Roar to a ninth-place finish, winning only three out of twelve matches. He was appointed permanent head coach in April 2024.
Following an early exit from the Australia Cup at the hands of Perth Glory, Zadkovich led the squad to India for the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy. The team started with a commanding 5–1 win over Dempo, endured a narrow 1–0 loss to FC Goa, then clinched a semi-final berth by defeating Sporting Goa 2–0.
The start of the 2024/25 A-League season was historically poor for Roar—they failed to secure a single victory in their first twelve matches, marking the worst start both for the club and league-wide. Additionally, they set an unwanted record by losing eight consecutive home games, surpassing the previous low held by the defunct New Zealand Knights.
Ending second last on the table, the club announced Zadkovich’s immediate exit on May 6, 2025. Over a span of 39 games under his leadership, he achieved only eight wins amid declining attendance figures at home fixtures.
Michael Valkanis era (2025 -)
On 7 May 2025, Brisbane Roar named former Socceroo Michael Valkanis as their Head Coach. His debut match was the Australian Cup playoff against Wellington Phoenix in Darwin on May 14, which ended in a narrow 1-0 loss.
Crest and colours
Orange continues to be the primary colour for Brisbane Roar, symbolizing the club’s Dutch roots. After parting ways with Queensland Lions, the team adopted orange combined with black shorts and trim, moving away from the earlier blue palette. Nonetheless, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the A-League Men’s 2024–25 season, the club temporarily reinstated the orange and blue colours as a tribute to its history.
The Active Supporters group known as The Den popularized the chant Follow you for ever more, frequently sung at matches in honour of "the Black and Orange".
Evolution of Club colours
At its inception, Roar’s home kit predominantly featured orange shirts paired with blue shorts and maroon socks, reflecting both Queensland’s maroon tradition and the club's Dutch heritage. In 2007, for enhanced television visibility, the home jersey displayed a half-orange, half-maroon design; later that year, it evolved into an orange body with maroon sleeves and shorts.
Ahead of the 2009–10 A-League season and coinciding with the club’s rebranding from Queensland Roar to Brisbane Roar, the logo was revised accordingly. In May 2009, new kits maintained maroon and orange tones but replaced white slashes with shoulder-pad patterns while brightening the orange to resemble early A-League shades.
Prior to the 2011–12 campaign, black replaced maroon on the kits. The home strip showcased orange with black diagonal shoulders and white detailing; the away kit was mainly black accented by orange shoulders. These designs bore strong resemblance to Tottenham Hotspur’s 2010–11 uniforms.
Following two seasons featuring diagonal sash designs—culminating in a Grand Final victory—the club collaborated with Puma to introduce a fresh kit range including an alternate "Event" jersey: silver adorned with an orange diagonal sash and black highlights.
In August 2014, Brisbane Roar announced Umbro as their new apparel partner on a four-year deal, ending Puma’s supply period. Shortly after, they revealed a redesigned traditional shield crest—the most significant logo update since 2009—with mixed reactions regarding its aesthetic.
The Umbro home kit presented an all-orange ensemble featuring white piping and vertical stripes on the shorts, paired with orange socks bearing two black bands representing the club’s dual heritage.
Club anthem
Brisbane Roar has yet to establish an official club anthem despite several attempts, making it a recurring subject among supporters, especially since it serves as the team’s "walk out song" during matches.
While many Queensland football clubs have longstanding victory songs performed after wins, enthusiasm for a formal Roar anthem grew following successful A-League teams like Melbourne Victory adopting iconic tunes such as 'Stand by Me'.
The club experimented with various prominent songs including Katy Perry’s "Roar", Powderfinger’s "My Happiness", and John Farnham’s "You’re the Voice", but none secured lasting popularity. Instead, fan groups have embraced "Follow you for evermore" as their anthem of choice.
Sponsors
| Period | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor (AL) | Shirt Sponsor (AFC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Reebok | — | — |
| 2006–2007 | Jayco | ||
| 2007–2011 | The Coffee Club | ||
| 2011–2013 | Puma | The Coffee Club | |
| 2013–2014 | — | ||
| 2014–2015 | Umbro | Griffith University | |
| 2015–2016 | Steadfast | — | |
| 2016–2017 | 16Visa.com | ||
| 2017–2018 | Central Home Loans | — | |
| 2018–2021 | Actron Air | ||
| 2021–2022 | New Balance | ||
| 2022–2023 | Cars4Us | ||
| 2023–2024 | Outkast | ||
| 2024–2025 | Cikers Australia |
In November 2007, Brisbane Roar entered into a two-and-a-half-year shirt sponsorship agreement with the café chain The Coffee Club. This collaboration was extended in August 2010 through a three-year renewal, making it one of the longest-standing sponsorships within the A-League. After Football Federation Australia assumed control of the club license in March 2011, The Coffee Club committed to a $2 million extension lasting three years, continuing through 2015.
Following the conclusion of the 2010–11 season and the expiration of the league’s kit contract, Roar secured a three-year deal with Puma AG as their first independently selected kit supplier, covering all teams and official merchandise. In 2014, Umbro took over from Puma as the kit and apparel provider under a four-season agreement.
For the 2015 AFC Champions League season, Griffith University was appointed as the primary kit sponsor. Later that year, The Coffee Club concluded its sponsorship arrangement; meanwhile, Ladbrokes briefly featured as sponsor for a friendly match against Liverpool.
In August 2015, Steadfast was announced as principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2015–16 campaign, extending their branding across all Brisbane Roar squads. The 2017–18 season commenced without an official sponsor; early kits displayed branding for Starlight Children's Foundation.
Central Home Loans was secured in February 2018 as principal partner for the remainder of that season. By July 2018, Australian firm ActronAir became the main partner with logo placement on both men's and women's team shirts under an undisclosed two-year contract. BBC Painting joined as Platinum Partner and back-of-shirt sponsor during 2019.
In July 2023, architectural design and construction company Outkast signed a major sponsorship deal lasting three years with Brisbane Roar.
AFC Competition Sponsorship
| Year | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Puma | The Coffee Club |
| 2013 | ||
| 2015 | Umbro | Griffith University |
| 2017 | 'No sponsor' (preliminary round 2) 16Visa.com (qualifying play-off and group stages) | |
| 2018 | 'No sponsor' |
Stadium and facilities
The traditional home venue for Roar Men's Team is Lang Park, located in Milton, which accommodates up to 52,500 spectators. However, throughout its history, the club has hosted A-League Men matches at five different stadiums.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fixtures were temporarily moved to Dolphin Oval, with plans announced to resume playing at Brisbane venues for the 2023/24 season. The team also utilized Robina Stadium (known as Cbus Super Stadium) during the floods in 2011 and has played single fixtures at both Ballymore Stadium and Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.
Women's matches are held across several venues including Lang Park, Ballymore Stadium, and Perry Park, Brisbane.
Dolphin Oval
Roar held several home fixtures at Dolphin Oval, including their 2018 FFA Cup encounter with Melbourne City and a 2019 match against Central Coast Mariners.
Prior to the 2019–20 season, three Hyundai A-League games were relocated from Suncorp Stadium to Dolphin Oval,[2] leading to increased utilization of the venue, which has a capacity of 10,000 (7,000 seated). After three seasons, Roar returned to Lang Park.
Proposed new stadium
On 6 February 2020, Roar revealed intentions to finance a $60 million boutique stadium.[3] By 2024, talks began about collaborating with Football Queensland on redeveloping Perry Park, Brisbane.[4] Club executives stated that owners were willing to contribute between $7 million and $10 million of their own capital to support the initiative.[5]
Alternative venues
Throughout their existence, Roar have played matches at other locations such as Cbus Stadium and Perry Park, mainly for FFA Cup and ACL fixtures.
At the beginning of the 2010–11 season, there was consideration given to relocating home games to Ballymore Stadium, where the club’s administrative offices and training facilities were based. However, ownership ultimately decided to continue playing at Suncorp Stadium under a revamped agreement that maintained financial sustainability despite increased expenses.
Following damage caused by the 2010–11 Queensland floods to Suncorp Stadium, Roar moved two home fixtures against Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Heart to Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, marking the first occasion in club history that league games took place away from Suncorp Stadium.
Record attendances
The 2011 A-League Grand Final drew a crowd of 50,168—the highest attendance for both Roar matches and any football game in Brisbane. This figure was surpassed in 2012 when 50,334 spectators witnessed Brisbane's triumph over Perth in the 2012 A-League Grand Final. The attendance record was again broken in 2014 with 51,153 fans present for Roar’s victory against Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2014 A-League Grand Final.
Training facilities
Following its separation from Queensland Lions, Brisbane Roar has experienced several changes in training locations. The club initially practiced at Lions F.C. before relocating in 2008 to share Ballymore with the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU).
For the 2015–16 season, Roar established their training operations at Griffith University’s Nathan campus after their Ballymore contract ended and Perry Park no longer satisfied the required standards.
In 2016, the club revealed plans for a $9 million permanent training complex at Logan Metro Sports Park. This facility would serve as the central hub for the club’s academy, youth squads, women’s teams, and Football Brisbane activities. By mid-2017, a five-year agreement was secured with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to accommodate U12-U16 Academy teams at Kelvin Grove sportsground.
Ahead of the 2016–17 season, Roar temporarily moved back to Ballymore while awaiting completion of the Logan centre. The cutting-edge Logan Centre of Excellence officially opened in March 2018, immediately housing administrative staff, with men’s pre-season training commencing there in June 2018.
After a dispute arose in 2020 with Logan City Council regarding an unpaid water bill, Brisbane Roar shifted their training base to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct located in Carrara.
Since 2023/2024, efforts have been ongoing to develop a purpose-built facility in Brendale, northern Brisbane. Despite this, in March 2023 the club announced a return to Ballymore for both training and matches. Within weeks, concerns about the quality of Ballymore’s training surface led to another move back to QSAC.
As of October 2024, the Brendale facility’s future remains unresolved, with both men’s and women’s teams continuing to train across multiple venues.
Affiliations
- Queensland Lions – The founding club that transitioned its Senior Men’s team into Queensland Roar for the A-League’s inaugural season. The partnership between these two clubs continues actively.
- Academy Partners – Roar’s Academy Preparation Program collaborates with local clubs including Souths United, Gold Coast City, Grange Thistle SC, Sunshine Coast Wanderers F.C, Cairns F.C, Logan Lightning FC, and Olympic FC.
- Gareth Edds Soccer Academy – Serving as BRFC Academy’s representative in Townsville, Queensland.
- Player Development Project – Since July 2018, Roar has been a founding member alongside clubs such as Birmingham City FC, Fulham FC, and AIK FC aiming to advance coaching development.
- East Coast Futsal Academy – In June 2019, Roar formed a partnership with this Port Macquarie-based academy focused on players aged 13 to 16.
Current proprietors (2011–present)
The club is fully owned by the Bakrie Group.
In March 2011, shortly after securing its first Grand Final victory, the FFA took back control of the club's licence and committed to funding it until new ownership was secured. FFA CEO Ben Buckley acknowledged previous owners’ financial input but highlighted their inability to cover ongoing expenses.
On 4 October 2011, reports from The World Game indicated that Indonesian conglomerate Bakrie Group would assume ownership under a decade-long agreement. The deal involved paying A$8 million for a 70% stake while the FFA retained 30%. Bakrie held an option to raise their shareholding to 90%, reducing FFA’s holding to 10%. Following this acquisition, Dali Tahir was appointed chairman.
By 6 February 2012, the FFA confirmed that Bakrie Group had obtained full ownership of Brisbane Roar, marking the first instance of majority foreign ownership within an A-League club.
Previous ownership (2009–11)
In April 2009, it was reported that the FFA was prepared to acquire up to a 55% stake in the Roar to help stabilize the club’s financial situation. This proposed acquisition encompassed CEO Lawrence Oudendyk’s 15%, Queensland Lions’ 25%, and the combined 15% held by Rob Jones and Rob Jansen. The FFA made it clear that any takeover would lead to Oudendyk being replaced as CEO.
However, ownership instead shifted entirely to a new Brisbane-based consortium consisting of Emmanuel Drivas, Emmanuel Kokoris, Claude Baradel, and Serge Baradel. Although the FFA confirmed an offer for majority control on 30 April 2009, this proposal was rejected by the new owners on 22 May. Following concerns about financial challenges after a disappointing 2009–10 campaign, the owners reiterated their dedication to the club.
Original owners (2004–2008)
Founded in March 2005, Brisbane Roar was initially owned by Queensland Lions SC as Brisbane’s franchise entrant in the inaugural A-League. Queensland Lions maintained majority ownership until 2008, when their remaining 25% share was reportedly acquired at a discount by the Roar board. This transaction contributed to financial uncertainties and speculation regarding the club potentially surrendering its A-League licence back to Football Federation Australia (FFA).
Support
Brisbane Roar regularly ranks among the Hyundai A-League’s top clubs in average attendance figures, frequently surpassing the league-wide average. By the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, cumulative home attendance had reached 2,949,075, with an average crowd size of 11,656 per match.[6]
The club celebrated a landmark during the 2018–19 season by welcoming its 2,500,000th A-League supporter.[7]
Supporter groups function independently from club administration and occasionally experience disagreements. The longest-standing group, known as "The Den," has been the vocal supporter section located in Bay 332 of Suncorp Stadium’s Northern Stand since the A-League began.[8] Originating from Richlands and Lions F.C., The Den plays a vital role in fostering fan engagement.
Established in 2016, the "Roar Supporters Federation" (RSF) advocates for a wide spectrum of fans with the goal of influencing club ownership and management decisions.[9] In October 2017, RSF introduced "The Roar Corps," a supporters group dedicated to Brisbane’s W-League side inspired by fan organizations in the American National Women's Soccer League.[10]
Moreover, the Brisbane Roar Supporters Club (BRSC), launched in 2014 via Facebook, has grown to nearly seven thousand members and represents a diverse and enthusiastic community of fans.[11]
Fan groups have also developed beyond Brisbane in locations such as Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast.[12][13][14][15][16]
Conflict between club and Active Support
In January 2019, Brisbane Roar became the newest A-League team to experience a disagreement with its dedicated supporter group. Just hours prior to their round 14 fixture against Melbourne Victory, the club officially withdrew its endorsement of the existing "The Den" steering committee. Consequently, the remainder of that season proceeded without any organized active supporter representation.
Mascots
Brisbane Roar’s mascots, Roary and Rosie—a lion and lioness duo—serve important functions during match days, community outreach programs, sponsor activations, pre-season fixtures, as well as ALW and ALM contests. These mascot roles are predominantly staffed by club volunteers, with ongoing recruitment efforts aimed at finding suitable candidates to portray Roary or Rosie.
Rivalries
- At present, Brisbane Roar does not maintain any significant rivalries.
- Gold Coast United – This rivalry was known as the M1 Derby, named after the major highway connecting Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It ceased when Gold Coast United was disbanded in April 2012. During Gold Coast’s debut 2009–10 campaign, the two clubs faced off seven times, with Gold Coast securing four victories.
- North Queensland Fury – Despite both clubs being based in Queensland and sharing a regional link, their rivalry was limited due to considerable distance between them. North Queensland Fury folded one year prior to Gold Coast United’s dissolution.
First team squad
Football Department
Administration
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Executive chairman | Vacant |
| General manager | Vacant |
| Commercial manager | Charlie Mann |
| General manager – club services | Rizka Laya |
| Marketing manager | Sean Nicoll |
| Media officer | Sonia Emanuel |
| Digital & design coordinator | Armando Cacace |
| Memberships manager | Josh Springfield |
| Memberships officer | Jonas Kissel & Breanne Clarke |
| Chief operations officer | Zac Anderson |
| Finance director | Damien Moffrey |
| Finance manager | Novita Dumais |
| Finance officer | Vacant |
| Academy administrator | Klui Lapun |
Coaching History
To be eligible as a head coach in the A-League Men, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess the Football Australia Pro-Diploma (Pro A-Licence).
For a comprehensive list of Brisbane Roar FC head coaches, please refer to the dedicated page.
Captaincy Overview
Throughout their A-League tenure, Brisbane Roar has appointed eight different captains, with Matt McKay holding the position on two separate occasions:
Brisbane Roar
- A-League Men Championship
- Champions (3): 2011, 2012, 2014
- A-League Men Premiership
- Champions (2): 2010–11, 2013–14
- Second place (1): 2011–12
Brisbane Lions
- NSL Cup
- Champions (1): 1981
Brisbane Roar
- Australia Cup
- Finalists (1): 2023
Brisbane Lions and Queensland Lions
- Brisbane Premier League
- Champions (7): 1987, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004
- Runners-up (3): 1989, 1994, 2000
- Brisbane Premier League Finals
- Champions (5): 1987, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004
- Runners-up (1): 1990
Longest unbeaten streak
Brisbane Roar holds the national record with an unbeaten run spanning 36 matches from 18 September 2010 to 26 November 2011.
Longest unbeaten away run
The club set an A-League record by remaining undefeated in 16 consecutive away fixtures between 3 October 2010 and 19 November 2011.
Largest victory margin
The biggest win recorded by Brisbane Roar was a commanding 7–1 triumph over Adelaide United on 28 October 2011.
Heaviest loss
The club’s most substantial defeat came as an unprecedented 1–8 loss to Melbourne City in an A-League match on 28 December 2023.
Quickest goal scored
Bersart Berisha held the record for fastest goal at just 43 seconds during a narrow 3–2 victory against Melbourne Victory on 18 February 2012. This was later surpassed when Florin Berenguer netted after only 32 seconds versus Wellington Phoenix on 4 November 2023, setting the fastest goal ever in Men's A-League history.
Fastest goal conceded
Aaron Calver scored within the opening 40 seconds during Sydney’s 3–1 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on 29 March 2019.
Most club appearances
Jack Hingert overtook Matt McKay in Round 26 of the 2024/25 season to reach a total of 304 appearances for Brisbane Roar.
All-time leading goal scorer
Bersart Berisha stands as Brisbane Roar’s highest goal scorer, having netted 50 goals over 84 matches between 2011 and 2014. This tally includes 48 goals in league competition and 2 scored during the Asian Champions League.
Quickest hat-trick
On 28 October 2011, Besart Berisha recorded a hat-trick within just six minutes in a match against Adelaide United.
Record attendance
The largest crowd ever recorded for the club was 51,153 spectators at the 2014 Grand Final facing Western Sydney Wanderers.
Most matches managed
John Aloisi holds the coaching record with 95 A-League matches overseen from 2015 to 2018, achieving a win percentage of 40%, with a record of 38 victories, 23 draws, and 34 defeats.
Youngest debutant
Quinn MacNicol made his first appearance on 14 August 2023 at the age of 15 years and 216 days during a 3–2 Australia Cup victory over Newcastle Jets, becoming Brisbane Roar’s youngest-ever player. He later set the club’s record for youngest A-League Men debutant on 27 October 2023 at 15 years, 8 months, and 13 days against Sydney FC.
Youngest goal scorer
Rylan Brownlie holds the distinction of being the youngest player to score in an A-League match at 16 years, 10 months, and 10 days, scoring against Melbourne City on 28 December 2023.
Meanwhile, Quinn MacNicol is the club’s youngest scorer across all competitions, having found the net at age 15 years and 228 days in an Australia Cup fixture versus Sydney United 58 on 26 August 2023.
First father-son pair
When Rylan Brownlie joined Brisbane Roar in Season 19 of the A-League following his father Royce Brownlie, they became the team’s inaugural father-son combination. Royce had competed in the league’s inaugural season.
Thomas Broich
In May 2017, Thomas Broich was honored as the first inductee into the BRFC Hall of Fame. Broich featured in 181 matches for Brisbane Roar from 2010 to 2017, securing two Johnny Warren Medals, three A-League Championships, two Premiership titles, and two Gary Wilkins Medals. Additionally, he earned the Joe Marston Medal in 2014. Broich is widely regarded as one of the A-League’s finest players, leading with a total of 21 goals and holding a record of 66 assists.
Michael Theo
Also inducted in May 2017, Michael Theo appeared in 159 games between 2010 and 2018. He contributed to winning two A-League Premierships (2010–11 and 2013–14) and three Championships (2010–11, 2011–12, and 2013–14). Theo was awarded A-League ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ in 2010 and set a record by going unbeaten for 876 minutes without conceding during the same season.
Matt McKay
Former captain Matt McKay, who holds the club record for appearances with a total of 272 across two tenures, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in May 2019. McKay also earned 59 caps representing Australia’s national team and played a key role in two championship triumphs with Brisbane Roar.
Academy
In July 2020, Brisbane Roar collaborated with Morton Bay Council to establish an $18 million training complex dedicated to supporting both their W-League squad and Academy programs.
The Roar Academy operates through three distinct pathways:
Brisbane Academy
Initiated in January 2018, this program focuses on developing male players aged U14 through U19.
Pre-Academy
Targets younger players aged U10 to U13 by working alongside a network of affiliated clubs.
Girls’ Pathway
Girls' development is conducted through a collaboration with Football Queensland, implementing the National Training Center (NTC) program. These development squads compete in the National Premier Leagues (Queensland) under the name "Brisbane Roar NTC." This alliance was further enhanced in September 2024, creating a unified female pathway between Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar.
Controversies
In 2009, the club's licence was revoked by Football Federation Australia, which led to a rebranding that emphasized its Brisbane roots. That same year, coach Frank Farina was dismissed following a second incident involving drink-driving.
During 2015, Brisbane Roar relocated its AFC Champions League home fixtures from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, causing dissatisfaction among supporters. The club faced severe financial difficulties, with FFA CEO David Gallop insisting on an immediate solution or risked losing the licence. The Bakrie Group injected $1 million to stabilize the club's finances and maintained ownership. Meanwhile, key midfielder Luke Brattan departed due to unpaid superannuation.
In 2016, Director Daniel Cobb resigned before the season commenced after publicly accusing the Bakrie Group of delayed player payments. The following year, Managing Director Mark Kingsman was unexpectedly dismissed amid demands for improved governance and increased community involvement.
The year 2018 brought public embarrassment as players’ shirt numbers began peeling and the team suffered a surprising defeat to Ceres-Negros in the Asian Champions League, prompting an official apology and criticism from fans.
In 2019, 'The Den' supporter group withdrew from the Active Support organization citing unmet requests; subsequently, the club revoked recognition of its committee.
Towards the end of 2020, a dispute over $150,000 in unpaid bills with Logan City Council resulted in Brisbane Roar vacating their base after two years; the venue was then handed over to a rugby club.
In 2021, a court decision ruled that Bret Holman was entitled to receive insurance payments that had been withheld by the club.
August 2022 saw Corey Brown’s contract terminated due to alleged misconduct; however, after intervention by the PFA and subsequent review, he was cleared and reinstated.
In October 2022, Brisbane Roar discontinued its youth academy to concentrate efforts on First Team and U23 squads—a decision that players and supporters labelled as "a shambles."
By October 2024, a joint announcement from Roar and Football Queensland regarding collaboration on men’s player pathways sparked significant backlash. This controversy threatened rebellion among several NPL clubs opposing both organizations.
In May 2025, the Australian Taxation Office issued its third winding-up order against Brisbane Roar due to outstanding debts. The following month, Roar initiated legal action against major sponsor OutKast over an alleged $130,000 owed; OutKast countered with claims of contract breaches and terminated their sponsorship. In July 2025, yet another winding-up order was filed concerning debts linked to a recruitment agency responsible for hiring key personnel.
See also
- Brisbane Roar FC (W-League)
- Brisbane Roar FC Reserves
- Season History
- List of Brisbane Roar FC Head Coaches
- Brisbane Roar FC End of Season Awards
External links
- Brisbane Roar results – latest scores for Brisbane Roar FC
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- ↑ Attendance Statistics :: Totals / Averages (Home Club)
- ↑ Be part of BRFC history as our 2,500,000th fan!
- ↑ Matt McKay scores winner as Brisbane Roar beat Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium
- ↑ Roar Supporters Federation | RSF | Brisbane Roar Football Club Fans
- ↑ Launch of The Roar Corps
- ↑ Roar Fans in Melbourne
- ↑ Roar Fans in Sydney
- ↑ Roar Fans in Tasmania
- ↑ Roar Fans in Adelaide
- ↑ Roar Fans on the Gold Coast
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