Brisbane’s ‘Ekka’ Show Holiday on Wednesday 10th August will be extra special for Brisbane Roar fans, with the scheduling of a Roar Family Fun Day followed by the club’s Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with Perth Glory on the public holiday.
Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay says the club’s Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with Perth Glory will be the ‘pièce de resistance’ to cap off a fun-filled Exhibition Show Holiday.
The Roar Family Fun Day will be staged at Ballymore Stadium prior to the 7:30pm kick off for the Roar’s first Westfield FFA Cup tie in Queensland.
McKay says he is hoping for a strong turnout from the Roar’s faithful to support both the Family Fun Day and the cup tie against Perth Glory.
“It’s on the public holiday so it’s a great opportunity to get family and friends together to come see a good game of football at a quality venue,” McKay said.
“We want to prove a point against a quality opposition like Perth and to have a Fan Day before the game is a great idea.
“Ballymore Stadium is pretty close to the Showgrounds so you can go to the show and then come down and enjoy the Fan Day and have a great day out.”
Despite the match occurring almost eight weeks before the beginning of the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season, McKay says the Roar will treat the clash like any other competitive fixture.
“Ultimately you want to play games as soon as possible and this cup tie provides us a competitive game rather than just a pre-season game,” he said.
“We need to be ready come the first game of the season because that’s the ultimate prize, but any bonus this cup run gives us will be great.
“It gives us extra competitive games with the lure of a trophy at the end. We want to win trophies and that’s what this club is about so we’ll take it very seriously.”
The skipper also says there’s reason for optimism as the beginning of the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season edges closer.
Following the Roar’s recent ‘Whole of Club’ function, designed to provide information and direction to staff and players, McKay says there’s a great feeling of unity within the club.
“We’ve got a bit more direction now, which we needed,” he said.
“New people that are coming in [notably Managing Director Daniel Cobb] are being positive and really want the club to succeed both on and off the field.
“It’s about the entire club. The Senior team, The Youth team, the Women’s team – this holistic approach is definitely what this club deserves.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the club move forward and benefiting all stakeholders and we want to be a part of that by winning games.”
Having Tommy Oar, who was recruited partway through the 2015/16 season, complete a full pre-season as well as the return of experienced defender Luke De Vere will place the Roar in good stead before what McKay believes will be one of the toughest Hyundai A-League campaigns ever.
“Luke DeVere is an immense presence for us. Both him and Tommy Oar with a full pre-season under his belt will be great,” McKay said.
“I’m always excited for the season to start and the anticipation will rise as it gets a bit closer. It’s going to be a really competitive season and there won’t be any easy games.
Entry to the Brisbane Roar Family Fun Day will be free.
