Brisbane Roar To Face Oakleigh Cannons In Lismore Preseason Clash
Top-level football returns to Crozier Field as Brisbane Roar continues its preparations for the 2026–27 A-League Men season against one of Victoria’s strongest National Premier Leagues clubs.
Brisbane Roar will return to Lismore this October for a major preseason fixture against Victorian powerhouse Oakleigh Cannons.
The match will kick off at 2.30pm on Sunday, October 11, at Crozier Field, giving Northern Rivers supporters an opportunity to watch professional footballers prepare for the approaching 2026–27 A-League Men season.
The fixture continues Brisbane Roar’s developing relationship with Lismore and follows the club’s preseason appearance against Newcastle Jets at Crozier Field in 2025.
This year’s match will provide a different challenge, with the Roar facing one of the strongest clubs outside the A-League.
Oakleigh Cannons claimed the 2026 National Premier Leagues Victoria minor premiership before reaching the competition’s grand final. The Melbourne-based club is also preparing to compete in the Australian Championship.
That combination should ensure the match is more than a ceremonial exhibition. Brisbane will be looking to sharpen its combinations, fitness and tactical structure ahead of the A-League campaign, while Oakleigh will have an opportunity to test its squad against professional opposition.
Brisbane Roar chief operations officer Zac Anderson said the club was pleased to return to the Northern Rivers and reconnect with its regional supporters.
“We are thrilled to bring the squad back to Lismore as part of our preseason preparations with this match against Oakleigh Cannons, one of the best sides across the National Premier Leagues in Australia,” Mr Anderson said.
“The support we received from Lismore City Council and the community in the past two years has been outstanding, and returning to Crozier Field gives our players a great opportunity to continue to prepare for the upcoming season while connecting with regional fans who love the game.
“We look forward to building on this strong relationship into the future.”
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said attracting elite sporting fixtures was an important part of strengthening the city’s position as a regional events destination.
“Lismore is ready for bigger events and bigger opportunities, and fixtures like this show we have the facilities and the community support to deliver,” Cr Krieg said.
“We’re building a strong future for major events in our city, with elite sport and live entertainment putting Lismore firmly on the national events map.”
The match is expected to attract football supporters from across the Northern Rivers, as well as visitors following the teams from Queensland and Victoria.
Cr Krieg said major sporting events could deliver benefits beyond the field by bringing visitors into the city and supporting hospitality and retail businesses.
“For local families and young footballers, this is a chance to see top-level athletes in their own backyard,” he said.
“It also brings visitors from across the Northern Rivers, supporting our cafes, pubs and shops.”
The event is being supported by Lismore City Council, with the fixture also reinforcing Crozier Field’s role as one of the region’s leading rectangular sporting venues.
For junior footballers, the opportunity to watch professional and high-performing semi-professional players at close range could provide valuable insight into the speed, movement and technical standards required at senior levels.
Further information about associated activities, including any junior clinics, supporter competitions and the complete match-day program, is expected to be released closer to the event.
Tickets are available through Lismore Tickets.
The match between Brisbane Roar and Oakleigh Cannons will kick off at 2.30pm on Sunday, October 11, at Crozier Field, Lismore.
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