Over the course of our A-League 2020/21 campaign, Brisbane Roar blooded no fewer than six BRFC Academy products as talented young locals continued to earn elite opportunities with Queensland’s only professional club.
Warren Moon’s strong belief in homegrown players and the Club’s commitment to youth development led to A-League appearances for 13 players aged 23 and under, all while reaping on-field rewards as the Roar exceeded external expectations with a fourth-placed finish.
Concluding today with Cyrus Dehmie, we’re recapping the recent achievements of the Academy graduates who broke through for professional debuts.
Academy recap: Macklin Freke
Academy recap: Hassan Ramazani
Academy recap: Alex Parsons
Academy recap: Keegan Jelacic
Academy recap: Eli Adams
This newly 19-year-old law student has just signed his first professional football contract, celebrating his birthday as the Roar host A-League Premiers, Melbourne City.@Jonathan_Uptin has the story. #9News pic.twitter.com/7Umz5E54RM
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) May 25, 2021
A-League action
After taking part in pre-season, Dehmie gained his A-League opportunity in the same way as his fellow Academy graduates: by impressing in training and in the NPL.
He featured in Brisbane Roar Youth’s season opener against Eastern Suburbs on 7 March and opened his account with a goal against Sunshine Coast Wanderers a week later.
That led to his inclusion in the travelling party for the A-League side’s Matchweek 13 meeting with Wellington Phoenix in Newcastle.
In rainy, windy conditions, Dehmie entered the match in the 72nd minute and brought great enthusiasm as the Roar scored late to earn a gritty 1-1 draw.
The striker’s home debut came against the Central Coast Mariners in mid-May, when he contributed 15 touches and contested six duels in an enterprising cameo.
Twin milestones
Even bigger things were still to come in the month of May.
Having scored seven goals in his previous three NPL Queensland appearances, Dehmie was rewarded with his first A-League start away to Adelaide United in Matchweek 21.
He played almost an hour of what ultimately proved to be a narrow 1-0 defeat, but any bittersweet feelings were soon banished by another significant moment in the teenager’s burgeoning career.
On his 19th birthday, Dehmie signed an A-League scholarship contract, describing the moment as a “step forward” in his dream to become a professional footballer.
The celebrations continued into his first victory that night, with Head Coach Moon handing him a substitute appearance in a brilliant 3-0 win over Melbourne City.
Consistent squad member
Dehmie remained in the matchday mix right through to the end of the regular season, bringing his appearance total to six for the 2020/21 campaign following outings against Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.
Though denied his first A-League goal, it seems just a matter of time until he finds the net at A-League level given his prolific scoring in the NPL.
Beginning with a hat-trick against Capalaba FC on 18 April, he struck 13 goals in just six games to rocket right into Golden Boot contention.
If he maintains that standard, Dehmie is destined to bring an exciting element to the Roar’s attack in 2021/22.
This man can't be stopped! ?@brisbaneroar Youth wonderkid Cyrus Dehmie dazzled on the weekend, scoring FOUR and assisting TWO goals in his side's 6-1 win over Logan Lightning!
?️ Watch all the weekend highlights: https://t.co/7n4gryrryG#NPLQLD #FQPL pic.twitter.com/Ny9DBSmSg8
— Football Queensland (@FootballQLD) May 10, 2021
