Sydney FC winger Joe Lolley is preparing for a physically demanding match as the Sky Blues gear up to face Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium this Saturday afternoon. This encounter marks the first league meeting between the two teams this season, following an intense pre-season clash that has set expectations high.
Lolley anticipates a fiercely competitive game, stating, “It’ll be an aggressive game. They’ll try to make it hostile and difficult for us.” He emphasized the need for his team to match Brisbane’s intensity and maintain control of the ball throughout the match. “We need to play our football and hopefully pick up the win,” he added.
Addressing the expectations of physicality, Lolley remarked, “Probably both — in your face and a couple of knocks on the ankle.” He recognizes that Brisbane has developed a strong identity this season, which makes them a formidable opponent. He noted that even though Brisbane has experienced a dip in form, they will be eager to bounce back, adding another layer of challenge for Sydney FC.
Despite recent frustrations with conceding late goals — a trend that has cost the team in their last two matches — Lolley reassured fans that the squad is not in a state of panic. He described the last games as challenging but expressed confidence in the team’s overall performance. “It’s not something we’re overly worried about. We just want to take the performance from Auckland into the Brisbane game,” he said.
The addition of Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan in January has further strengthened the team’s attacking options. Lolley is excited about building connections with the new players, recognizing their potential to create and score goals. “They’re good guys and want to do well, so hopefully the connection keeps growing,” he expressed.
Returning from a hamstring injury, Lolley feels physically robust and ready for the upcoming fixtures, though he acknowledges a need to regain sharpness after being sidelined. “I’m probably just lacking a little bit of sharpness, which is natural when you’ve missed eight or nine weeks,” he noted, expressing optimism about contributing effectively against Brisbane.
With only one point garnered from their last two home matches, Lolley underscored the importance of this upcoming game, describing it as a “must-win.” He emphasized the necessity for the team to take charge on the field and navigate back towards their winning trajectory. The return of a fully fit squad has also fostered a competitive environment in training, driving players to elevate their performances.
As preparations intensify for this critical match, Sydney FC is eager to deliver a strong performance against Brisbane Roar, showcasing resilience and determination to secure a much-needed victory. Fans can look forward to an exciting game as the teams clash in the Isuzu UTE A-League on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is set for 5:00 PM AEDT, with gates opening an hour earlier. The match will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and 10Drama.