After finding the back of the net in last week’s pre-season fixture, Brisbane Roar’s Matt Jurman already has a keen eye on increasing his goal tally for the club.
Recruited by Head Coach Ange Postecoglou at the tail end of last season, the former Sydney FC defender has settled into the Roar camp with ease and is looking to cement a regular place alongside the experienced Matt Smith in the heart of defence.
Another opportunity to impress on the park beckons for Jurman tomorrow night with Brisbane Roar taking on Brisbane Premier League side Brisbane City at Spencer Park, especially given that Postecoglou has indicated he would be experimenting with starting eleven.
With a long pre-season program, Postecoglou will use tomorrow night-s fixture as the prime opportunity to cast his eye over his entire squad giving many new face the chance to shine before the season kicks off on October 8.
“It-s been great and I-ve been enjoying myself learning to work with a new team, new players and a new style of play here,” he said.
Jurman showcased his array of footballing talents against BPL leaders Wynnum Wolves on Wednesday when a well-timed one-two with teammate Massimo Murdocca on the back of a quick, attacking move resulted in his maiden goal in Roar colours.
The 21-year-old has only ever scored one competitive goal at senior level – a fierce header in his final game for the Sky Blues in an AFC Champions League fixture against Kashima Antlers – but is confident he will be a more frequent visitor to the scoresheet during the upcoming Hyundai A-League campaign.
“To be honest, I-ve never really scored a goal like that so it was actually pretty funny for me to score,” he said.
“I scored once for Sydney off a corner but it was good to score one from open play.
“I-m adjusting to the new style that Ange wants me to play and that involves me getting forward a lot so hopefully I can continue to get forward to create goals and score a few more too.”
While the move from Sydney has made for tough work on the training paddock, understanding and implementing his new side-s attacking style of play, there has also been a change in dynamic off the field for Jurman who has had to move out of home for the first time.
“Rocky (Visconte) and I are living together so that-s been good,” Jurman said.
“It-s a bit of a change from Sydney but it-s not so busy so it-s definitely a nice place to live.”
Brisbane Roar-s next pre-season training match is against Brisbane City, tomorrow night at Spencer Park, Newmarket. Kick-off is at 7pm with player signings from 5-5.50pm. Entry is free.
