A lot will be riding on the shoulders of new recruit Luke Brattan when Macarthur FC take on Perth Glory this Saturday in the opening round of the 2024-25 A-League season.
The former Sydney FC midfielder’s already had one of the biggest weeks of his life.
On Tuesday night he became the oldest Socceroo debutant when Australia took Japan on in a World Cup qualifier in Tokyo.
Brattan, who is 34 years old, told a media conference for the Bulls that playing for the national team was “pretty special’’.
“It was good for me, and fantastic for the club,’’ he said.
He said the Bulls had made a great start to the new season, winning the Australia Cup for the second time in their short history.
“I have been enjoying every minute here so far, it’s a fantastic club with great people,’’ he said.
“The squad is a very tight group, but there’s also a lot of grassroots aspects about the club, work in the community, that kind of thing, which is good.
“I am excited to get to Campbelltown [on Sunday] and hear the cowbells.
“Perth will be a tough game, but hopefully we come away with the three points,’’ Brattan said.
The match at Campbelltown Stadium this Sunday, October 20 will kick off at 4pm.
In four clashes previously at Campbelltown, Bulls won three and there was one draw with Glory, who ended up with the wooden spoon last season.
Overall, the two clubs have played each other nine times, with the Bulls winning four of those, Perth two, and three were drawn.
Mile Sterjvoski will once again have the coaching reins at the Bulls, his seconds full year in charge.
No doubt he will be hoping for a good start in the opening round and beyond for his team.
But he would also be aiming to improve his overall coaching record so far which stands at 13 wins, 11 draws and 17 losses from 43 matches.
