Henry Hore has been added back into Brisbane Roar’s extended squad after overcoming a groin injury, a move that arrives as Brisbane prepares for Brisbane Roar Vs Western Sydney Wanderers Fc at Suncorp Stadium in Round 21 of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men. Three points are on offer as the regular season enters its final stage.
Brisbane Roar Vs Western Sydney Wanderers Fc at Suncorp Stadium
The fixture is scheduled for Friday, 13 March in Round 21, with kick-off listed as 6: 00pm AEST, which converts to 4: 00 am ET. Suncorp Stadium in Milton will host the match that the club describes as vital for both sides chasing points late in the campaign.
Head-to-head figures underline the long-running rivalry: the pair have met 40 times, with Brisbane recording 13 wins, Western Sydney 12, and 15 matches finishing level. Those totals frame the immediate stakes for both squads as they approach this home fixture.
Henry Hore and Jay O’Shea return in Michael Valkanis’ squad
Henry Hore’s return follows recovery from a groin injury; he is named among the players available for selection. Captain Jay O’Shea is also back after completing recovery from a leg injury and was a late addition into the squad last round. Michael Valkanis has named a 20-player group that includes both men.
Niall Thom, an attacker from the Roar ‘B’ Team, is in contention to make his Isuzu UTE A-League debut after inclusion in the squad. The 20-player list features Dean Bouzanis (GK), Youstin Delfin Salas Gomez, Dimitri Valkanis, Marius Lode, Austin Ludwik and others called upon as Valkanis shapes his matchday options.
Round 21 stakes and Justin Vidic suspension
Three points carry extra weight with the regular season moving toward its final stage. Availability shifts are also part of the story: Justin Vidic is suspended for Round 21 following the accumulation of five yellow cards. Vidic is listed as unavailable for this fixture and is set to return for next week’s clash against Wellington Phoenix at home.
Brisbane’s announced ins for this round list Henry Hore returning from injury, Hosine Bility and Antonee Burke-Gilroy promoted, James O’Shea back from injury, and Niall Thom promoted. The single confirmed out is Justin Vidic, a change that alters defensive options for this match.
For players like Hore and O’Shea, the game at Suncorp Stadium is both a test of fitness and a chance to influence a tight league table. For the club, the immediate next milestone is clear: a home match against Wellington Phoenix next week when Justin Vidic will be eligible to return. That prospect frames the minutes the coach chooses to give returning players on Friday night, and it brings the season’s short-term roadmap into focus as the Roar move through Round 21.
