Honestly, if you've been following the A-League for any length of time, you know the Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets fixture is a weird one. It’s not the "Big Blue" or the Sydney Derby. It doesn't have that manufactured corporate sheen. But man, it’s got teeth. People usually look at the ladder and think, "Oh, just another mid-table scrap," but that is basically missing the point of how these two clubs operate.
Take their most recent clash on November 9, 2025. Brisbane absolutely dismantled Newcastle 3-0 at Sunshine Coast Stadium. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Jay O'Shea, who is arguably the most consistent midfielder in the league’s modern era, tucked away a penalty like he was taking a Sunday stroll. But then, as of January 15, 2026, the news broke that O'Shea is out for a month with an ankle injury. That changes everything.
Why the Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets dynamic is shifting
For years, the Roar were the kings of possession under Ange Postecoglou and Mike Mulvey. Now? Under Michael Valkanis, they’re becoming this strange, high-pressing hybrid. They’ve got kids like Quinn MacNicol—who is literally making defenders twice his age look silly—mixing it up with veteran imports.
The Jets are different. Mark Milligan has them playing a brand of football that is, frankly, exhausting to watch if you’re the opposition. They’re sitting 4th on the ladder right now (as of mid-January 2026), just one point ahead of Brisbane. This isn't just about three points anymore. It's about securing that AFC Champions League Two spot.
The H2H reality check
If you look at the history, it’s remarkably even. Newcastle has 18 wins, Brisbane has 17, and they’ve shared 9 draws. That is almost a perfect split over two decades.
What's wild is that they haven't drawn a game against each other in ages. They go for the throat. Last season, the Jets took both games. They won 1-0 in Brisbane and 3-1 at McDonald Jones Stadium. Then Brisbane comes out in late 2025 and slaps them 3-0. It’s a pendulum. It never stays in the middle.
Key players that actually matter right now
Forget the marketing posters. If you want to know who will decide the next Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets match on January 31, 2026, look at these specific match-ups:
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- Justin Vidic vs. Aleksandar Susnjar: Vidic is back from illness and he’s a handful. Susnjar is a veteran who knows every dark art in the book. If Vidic can't find space, Brisbane’s attack stalls.
- Kosta Grozos: With O’Shea out for Brisbane, Grozos has a massive chance to own the midfield. He’s the engine for Newcastle. If he dictates the tempo, Brisbane will be chasing ghosts all night.
- The Goalkeeper Factor: James Delianov has been a wall for the Jets since moving from Adelaide. On the other side, Dean Bouzanis brings that "I’ve seen it all" energy to the Roar. In a tight 1-0 game, which this often is, a single fingertip save is the difference between a plane ride home in silence or a party.
The tactical "New Era"
Valkanis has Brisbane playing a much higher line than we saw in the lean years of 2022 and 2023. They want the ball back in three seconds. It's risky. Newcastle loves that. The Jets are built for the counter-attack. They have pace in wide areas that can exploit the space behind Brisbane’s fullbacks.
Honestly, the Jets' 4-5 loss to Macarthur earlier this season showed they can be scored on, but they will also score four. They are the definition of "unpredictable." Brisbane is more structured, but without O'Shea's vision, they might struggle to break down a compact Jets block.
What to watch for in the January 31 rematch
The upcoming game at McDonald Jones Stadium is a massive "six-pointer." Here’s the reality: Auckland FC and Sydney FC are currently pulling away at the top. That leaves the Jets and Roar fighting for the "best of the rest" tag.
- The Fatigue Factor: Brisbane has a brutal travel schedule in January, including a trip to Perth.
- Discipline: These games get heated. We average nearly four bookings per game in this fixture. Watch for the first 15 minutes; if the referee doesn't set a tone, it’ll turn into a card-fest.
- Youth Impact: Keep an eye on Quinn MacNicol. He’s the youngest player to ever score in the A-League, and the Jets’ defenders often struggle with his low center of gravity.
The Verdict on the Rivalry
Most people think the A-League is only about the big-city derbies. They're wrong. The Brisbane Roar vs Newcastle Jets games are where the real tactical battles happen. It’s two clubs with massive chips on their shoulders trying to prove they belong in the elite tier of Australian football.
Newcastle has the home-ground advantage and the momentum of a higher ladder position. Brisbane has the tactical discipline but is missing their best player. It’s a classic setup for a cagey affair that probably ends with a late, scrappy goal.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Lineups: If Justin Vidic doesn't start for Brisbane, their goal-scoring threat drops by 40%.
- Weather Watch: Newcastle in late January is humid. Expect the pace to drop significantly after the 70th minute—this is when the substitutes will win or lose the game.
- Tickets: If you're heading to McDonald Jones Stadium, the "Squadron" end is where the atmosphere is, but the Western Stand offers the best tactical view of the high-press systems both teams are using.
Keep a close eye on the injury report leading up to the 31st. If the Roar can't find a creative solution for O'Shea's absence, the Jets are likely to reclaim their dominance in this head-to-head battle.