Ninja A-League preview: Brisbane Roar ready for action with history-making Johnathan Clemente at the helm

Ninja A-League preview: Brisbane Roar ready for action with history-making Johnathan Clemente at the helm As we approach the start of the new Ninja A-League season, we are previewing each club in the league. Next up on our trip around Australia, we’re heading to Queensland to check in on Brisbane Roar. The Roar finished last season in fourth place, ending a five-year Finals drought. Having beaten Adelaide in the Elimination Final, their season was eventually ended by Wellington Phoenix over two legs. Brisbane Roar 2026/27n A-League preview Manager: Johnathan Clemente Last season finish: 4th Finals Series: Semi- Finals A history-making new manager Head coach Alex Smith has departed Brisbane Roar. Smith, who was the longest serving manager in Roar’s history, has taken the reins at Brooklyn FC in the USL Super League in the United States. In his place, Brisbane have appointed 27-year old Johnathan Clemente on a two-year deal. Clemente becomes the youngest head coach in A-League history, joining from Melbourne Victory where he had been serving as assistant manager. His age somewhat belies his experience, however. He was just 19 when he took his first steps into management with Essendon Royals, winning promotion in his first season in charge.  The end of an era for Brisbane Roar The list of playing departures is headlined by that of Tameka Yallop. The Roar stalwart, who made her debut in 2008 as a 17-year-old has left to join Wellington Phoenix. She leaves the Queensland club as their all-time leading appearance maker on 179 and their leading scorer with 74. Embed from Getty Images Momo Hayashi and Aimee Medwin have left for Melbourne City, while Philippines international Angie Beard has joined their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory. Last season’s top scorer Bente Jansen has returned to the Netherlands with De Graafschap. Brisbane Roar’s new signings The additions of ALW veterans Annabel Martin and Isabel Hodgson from Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United could prove to be inspired business in the Roar defence. Another Philippines international in defender Hali Long should also be a solid addition. The 31-year-old national team captain has been capped 109 times by her country. Meanwhile, the retention of Grace Kuilamu and Sharn Freier will be key to the Brisbane attacking department. They’ll be joined by a number of new faces, including Maja Markovski and Murphy Agnew. Agnew returns to Australia having spent time at Newcastle Jets. Stints with Celtic and most recently Strasbourg preceded her arrival in Brisbane. A team shorn of some of their biggest names will be hoping they can gel quickly under their new boss if they’re to return to Finals football this season. Related articles from Her Football Hub: Ninja A-League preview: Adelaide United undergo squad overhaul after historic back-to-back Finals Sam Kerr’s investment call exposes A-League Women’s financial struggles Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph