After a turbulent and emotional week, Brisbane Roar's A-League men and women's teams will play in a double-header at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday for the first time since 2019.
The timing of the ALM and ALW back-to-back fixtures could not come at a better time with both sides in sixth position on their respective ladders.
The Roar sacked Garrath McPherson as ALW coach last week and installed Alex Smith as his replacement.
The side lost 1-0 to Western United under Smith in his first outing but the coach said the occasion at Suncorp would lift everyone. The former Wellington Phoenix player recalled running out in front of packed-out crowds at the venue.
"Last week was a pretty emotional week for the girls so we are really looking to knuckle down … and put in a good performance," Smith said.
"With the coaching change that is going to be a bit of a burden on anybody, whether it is a conscious thing or subconscious thing. It was a new situation for the girls but I truly believe we will give a much better account of ourselves.
"I played against (the Roar) (at Suncorp) and it was 35,000 people and pumping. It is a really, really big occasion for the club as a whole and the girls are really looking forward to it.
"The men's game has traditionally had more people than the women's game (in attendance) so hopefully a lot of those people stick around and it creates a really good atmosphere for our girls."
The men play first at 2pm against Perth Glory with the women to follow against Adelaide United. ALM coach Ross Aloisi said that was a smart decision.
"It think it is amazing that it is a double-header and I think we are doing it the right way with the men first and the women second," he said.
"Generally when the women play before the men a lot of our supporters can't get there in time, so this is a great opportunity to watch the women's team because they play some really good football
"We are all staying behind to watch the women's team play so it is a great occasion for the club. Being the Indigenous round as well it is very special."
Roar ALW captain Ayesha Norrie said she was honoured to lead the team.
"We haven't been back at Suncorp in four years so we are really looking forward to it," she said.
"Alex has come in and changed a few of our structures so hopefully we can implement that this weekend and get the win."
ALM skipper Tom Aldred said there was an air of expectation ahead of the occasion.
"I think it is great for the football club to come together as one," he said.
