Brisbane Roar FC

Suncorp Stadium boasts one of the highest average attendances in Hyundai A-League and home to one of their active support groups known as ‘The Den’ based out of Bay 332 of its Northern stand.

Professional Footballers Australia have lodged complaints with the club over Corey Brown’s dismissal, as well as breach of A-League player transfer rules by them.

Origins

Brisbane Roar FC, founded by Dutch immigrants in 1957 as Hollandia-Inala, joined the Australian A-League competition in 2004 under their new name of Queensland Roar and continues its dominance today. Home games for Roar are played at Perry Park.

In 2009, head coach Frank Farina was charged with drink driving on his drive to training, prompting a club investigation that led to him being fired and replaced with assistant manager Rado Vidosic for the remainder of the season.

In April 2009, the FFA made an offer to purchase up to 55% of Emmanuel Drivas FC to ensure its financial viability; however, club owners Emmanuel Drivas, Emmanuel Kokoris, and Claude Baradel declined this proposal.

History

Queensland Roar currently competes in Australia’s premier league, the A-League. Additionally, four reserve teams exist. Founded by Dutch immigrants as Hollandia-Inala in 1957 and later changing to Queensland Roar upon entry as a foundation member into A-League 2004 as one of its foundation members.

Named Hollandia before, the new club name reflected an ethnic identity not considered acceptable under A-League regulations at that time.

The Roar have gone on to win three A-League championships since 2003; unfortunately missing out on a second due to goal difference. Coach Ross Aloisi has overseen their three final appearances while competing in Asian Champions League group stage matches and winning one out of four group stage matches thus far.

Stadiums

Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe serves as their home venue. Formerly used for FFA Cup and W-League matches, the club plans on moving all A-League home games back there at some point in time.

Miron Bleiberg served as the inaugural manager of Brisbane Roar and led them to a third-place finish during his only season as coach. Frank Farina took over in 2007-08, leading them into their inaugural finals appearance versus Newcastle Jets before falling short 2-0 overall.

Many Roar fans residing north of Brisbane will welcome this change with open arms, pleased that their journey to watch their team play will no longer require such a lengthy drive. On the other hand, others will feel crushed that their chances of seeing live action have significantly declined.

Sponsorships

BRFC recently secured sponsorship from air conditioning manufacturer ActronAir for two years. This will give them brand exposure on the front of team shirts and introduce a dedicated supporters group similar to that in American National Women’s Soccer League competitions.

In 2021, Brisbane Roar hired former England international manager Garry Monk as head coach. Monk guided them to fourth place during regular season play before being fired after one defeat on ANZAC Day and replaced by Robbie Fowler as new head coach.

At Suncorp Stadium, home games for Suncorp Sport & Social Club are usually hosted. Due to flooding in Queensland in 2010-2011 however, some matches had to be moved out to Skilled Park on the Gold Coast instead. It marked the first time ever in club history they played an official home match outside Suncorp Stadium.

Management

Brisbane Roar FC has long been recognised for producing exceptional Australian footballers, many of which represent them internationally and/or for Socceroos selection.

On 10 October 2009, Farina was arrested by Queensland Police for drink driving. Following this arrest he was suspended by his club and was asked to present evidence as to why they should not fire him for damaging their name and image.

Rizka Laya joined the Club as General Manager – Club Services in 2019 and oversees game operations and back-office administrative services that support governance and operational systems at the Club. Her role complements its football department perfectly. In fact, Rizka has been part of our team for over ten years – she knows our footballers well!