Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar: Risdon's Farewell Game as Both Teams Seek Positive End to Season
In their final A-League Men regular season match, Perth Glory will host Brisbane Roar at HBF Park. This game marks a significant occasion as it will be the farewell match for Perth Glory legend Josh Risdon, with both teams, already out of playoff contention, aiming to conclude their seasons on a high note. Both sides have endured challenging campaigns, grappling with inconsistent form and notable injury concerns among key players.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This A-League Men clash between Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar marks one of their final regular season fixtures. As of April 18, 2026, Perth Glory sits in 10th place on the league table with 28 points from 25 matches (7 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses), while Brisbane Roar is 11th with 26 points from 25 matches (6 wins, 8 draws, 11 losses). The top six teams in the A-League Men qualify for the finals series, with the top two also securing AFC Champions League Elite qualification. However, both teams are out of contention for a playoff spot, making this match largely a battle for pride and improved league standing. For Perth Glory, who have missed the finals for the sixth consecutive season, the game holds particular importance as they aim to avoid a third successive wooden spoon; a win could see them finish ninth, while a defeat could see them drop to 11th.
Recent Form
Perth Glory has shown some resilience in their recent outings, recording a form of 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 loss in their last five official matches. Their most recent fixture was a 0-0 draw against Sydney FC on April 19 or 20, 2026, following a 3-1 victory over Macarthur FC. Other recent results include a 2-2 draw with Central Coast Mariners, a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City, and a 0-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix. Despite a difficult season overall, the team has lost only once in their last seven matches, indicating some late-season stability. Brisbane Roar's recent form has been more challenging, with 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in their last five games. Their most recent match on April 18, 2026, saw them fall 2-3 to Melbourne City. Prior to that, they drew 2-2 with Central Coast Mariners, 0-0 with Sydney FC, and 1-1 with their upcoming opponents, Perth Glory, along with a 1-2 loss to Wellington Phoenix. Brisbane has notably endured an 11-match winless streak earlier in the season.
Key Players & Injury News
For Perth Glory, this match carries significant emotional weight as it marks the farewell game for club legend Josh Risdon, who will conclude his 16-year professional career in front of the home crowd. Co-captain Adam Taggart, who has battled injuries for much of the season, is eager to finish the campaign with a victory. In terms of injuries, Callum Timmins faces a 50/50 chance of playing due to a quad injury, while Luca Tevere may be ruled out with a hip issue. Other persistent injury concerns include Cameron Cook, Joel Anasmo, Brandon O'Neill, Tom Lawrence, and Lachlan Wales, with midfielder Trent Ostler out until late June 2026 with a broken jaw. Brisbane Roar faces significant challenges in their attacking lineup. In a previous encounter with Perth Glory, both starting strikers, Chris Long and Nick D'Agostino, sustained serious-looking injuries. Latest reports indicate Milorad Stajic is out with a hamstring injury until May 1, 2026, and D'Agostino (collateral ligament tear) and Long (ankle injury) remain sidelined. These absences will significantly impact their offensive threat. However, Benjamin Halloran and Mikael Evagorou-Alao have been promoted to the squad and are expected to feature. Midfielders such as James O'Shea and Samuel Klein will be crucial for the team's pursuit of a positive result.