The Brisbane Roar will head to Dairy Farmers Stadium for their derby clash with the North Queensland Fury boosted by the return of experienced duo Shane Stefanutto and Massimo Murdocca.
Murdocca makes his way back into the side after overcoming a groin strain, while Stefanutto returns from an extended hiatus with a torn hamstring.
The Roar, who have never lost to the Fury, will be out to extend their Hyundai A-League record 16-game undefeated streak, and coach Ange Postecoglou says the return of two of his most energetic players comes at the perfect time.
“It’s great for us. They’re coming back at the right time. (Murdocca and Stefanutto) are very, very experienced and they’re really itching to get back playing. We need that sort of energy,” he said.
“People talk about us peaking too early or fading to the finish, but guys like that coming back in ensures that the energy amongst the group is as high as it’s ever been. In fact it’s probably gone up a bit.”
“They are very energetic guys. The way they train, the way they put themselves about and Shane’s very vocal as well.”
“It’s a massive boost to the whole group knowing that the last nine games, plus finals, these guys are back.”
The Roar will take further encouragement from the impending return of Brazilian livewire forward Henrique, who remains on track for a return to Hyundai A-League action in January after breaking his arm against Melbourne Victory in September.
“Today was his first real run with the team and we’ll give him a couple of weeks of training just so he can get comfortable,” said Postecoglou.
“If it was up to him he’d be playing this weekend, but we’re just going to make sure that he’s 100 percent and there’s no doubt that come January he’ll be ready to go.”
Postecoglou also told media that the club hadn’t ruled out signing a replacement for departing striker Reinaldo, but they were confident they had the depth in personnel to cover his loss.
“We’ve prided ourselves on the fact that – knock on wood – we’re the only club that hasn’t had to sign a player during the season, or sign an injury replacement,” he said.
“We’ve gone with what we’ve started with, because we’ve planned it that way to make sure we could cover absences along the way, and so far it’s worked out.”
“I don’t really want to upset what we’ve created here just by bringing in a player for the sake of it.”
