Football fans heading out this Saturday are in for a long evening of action at Kayo Stadium. It is not often you see the scheduling flipped, but this weekend, the Brisbane Roar men will actually take the field first as the “curtain-raiser” for the women’s side. The first whistle blows at 7:00 pm for the men’s clash, followed by the women’s match kicking off later at 9:45 pm. For local families and supporters making the trip to Redcliffe, it is a rare chance to see both professional squads battle it out on the same turf in a single night.
Different vibes in the Wellington camp
The visiting side is arriving in Queensland with two very different stories to tell. Their women’s team is currently the talk of the league, sitting comfortably in fourth place. They’ve managed to string together some really impressive wins lately, and honestly, they look like one of the most disciplined units in the competition right now. On the flip side, their men’s squad is looking a bit shaky. After getting a bit of a reality check with a 5-1 loss to Melbourne Victory earlier this week, there is a lot of pressure on their coach, Giancarlo Italiano, to turn things around quickly. They are currently sitting down in ninth, and another loss this weekend could make things very uncomfortable for the coaching staff.
The defensive wall vs the “Samba” show
When the women’s match kicks off later in the night, the Brisbane Roar attackers are going to have a tough job on their hands. The Phoenix women have developed a reputation for being incredibly hard to break down. They’ve only let in four goals over seven games, which is the best defensive record in the A-League right now. A lot of that stability comes from their recent signings. They brought in Vic Esson to guard the net and managed to get C J Bott back from the English Super League. However, Bott took a bit of a knock in their last game, so everyone is waiting to see if she actually makes the starting lineup in Brisbane. But it’s not just about defense anymore. Their striker, Sabitra Bhandari—widely known as “Samba”—has finally found her rhythm. She’s been involved in most of their recent goals and has a huge following of fans who show up just to see her play. If the Roar aren’t careful, she could easily run away with the game.
Roar men looking for consistency
For the Brisbane Roar men, this Saturday is about finding a bit of stability. The league table is looking a bit lopsided at the moment because some teams have played almost double the games of others. Brisbane is currently in seventh, but with three wins from their first five matches, they are actually in a decent position if they can keep the momentum going. The local side has been solid at the back, conceding only five goals so far—the lowest in the league. The issue has been at the other end of the park. While the defense is doing its job, the goals haven’t been flowing as freely as the fans might like. Captain Jay O’Shea and Justin Vidic have been the main providers, but they’ll be looking for more of the squad to chip in this weekend.
Key match-ups to watch
One of the big battles to keep an eye on will be how Brisbane deals with the Phoenix’s defensive issues. While the Wellington women are tight at the back, their men have the second-worst defensive record in the league, having shipped 20 goals already. They are missing their leader, Tim Payne, through injury, and have looked quite vulnerable to the long ball lately. Brisbane will likely look to exploit that high defensive line. On the other hand, the Roar will need to be wary of James McGarry. The All White wing-back loves to get forward and support the attack, which could pull the Brisbane defense out of position if they aren’t disciplined.
Health checks and late calls
Brisbane is also dealing with a tight turnaround. They had a midweek fixture against the Central Coast Mariners, so player fatigue will definitely be a factor as the game reaches the final 20 minutes.
Why the timing matters
As is usually the case with a mid-season doubleheader, both clubs are sweating on some fitness tests. The Phoenix are waiting to see if their captain, Alex Rufer, is ready to go after a groin injury kept him out of their disaster in Melbourne. He’s the heart of their midfield, and they clearly look like a different team when he isn’t there to direct traffic. The late kickoff for the women’s game is a bit of a talking point. While a 9:45 pm start is quite late for a local Saturday night in Queensland, it’s perfectly timed for the prime-time television audience back in New Zealand. It’s a bit of a win-win for the league’s broadcasters, even if it means a very late night for the players and the fans at Kayo Stadium. With both Phoenix teams heading back to Wellington for their own home doubleheader next weekend, this Queensland trip is a massive “litmus test” for where their season is headed.
What to expect at Kayo Stadium
For those heading down to Moreton Bay, expect a lively atmosphere. The Brisbane Roar fans are usually pretty vocal, and there’s always a decent contingent of Kiwi expats who turn up to support the Phoenix.
The weather in Queensland this time of year can be unpredictable, but the evening kickoffs should at least provide some relief from the summer heat. Whether you are there for the early men’s game or staying late for the women’s clash, it’s shaping up to be one of the most pivotal nights of the season so far for both clubs.
Kayo Stadium Matchday Guide
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