Warren Moon has driven into Lions Stadium in Richlands many a time in the last decade. But this Sunday he does so as the opposition head coach, looking to make Brisbane Roar history in the FFA Cup.
Moon joined the Roar in 2019 initially as their Academy General Manager after five years as Head Coach of Lions FC, building them into one of the strongest National Premier Leagues sides in the country.
After Robbie Fowler's departure in 2020 Moon - who was a foundation player for the Roar in 2005 - was elevated to Brisbane Roar Head Coach, guiding the side to fourth on the table in his first season with the A-League Men side.
And now he comes up against Lions in an all-Brisbane Round of 16 clash, with history on the line for both sides, looking to progress further than ever before in the FFA Cup
"(Lions coming up against the Roar is) Fantastic for the game," Moon told Brisbane Roar. "We've come against a couple of other NPL sides but Lions FC are the biggest locally in the NPL, there's no doubt about it.
"(As well as) our history with Lions FC, we were born out of the club, it's going to make for a really great match.
"There's a lot of good people at the club, I've had a lot of messages about the match. The banter already started!"
Brisbane Roar booked their spot in the last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 win over Peninsula Power last month, and Moon is intent on putting out his strongest side on Sunday.
"For us it's going to be a tough game against a good side, and we're really excited by the challenge," the 39-year-old said.
"Minutes are important obviously but now the boys need to perform. The best players will play.
"We want to do well in the Cup. We fully expect to put our best team out, best team available and go and win the game."
Lions FC v Brisbane Roar
Date: Sunday, 24 October 2021, 3:30pm local, 4:30pm AEDT
Venue: Lions Stadium, Brisbane
Broadcast: Live & free via 10 Play
Tickets: Buy here
