Article by Macarthur Bulls Junior Reporter, Alyssa PERSEN.
What began as a cold and windy Monday evening quickly turned heated as The Bulls rampaged their opponent.
Pre-game, excited fans entered Campbelltown Stadium, many determined to see the Bulls win their first home match of the 2025–2026 A-League season. Bulls players were waiting just inside the gates, ready and willing to greet and sign autographs for their fans. It was great to see Bernardo there after sustaining a prolonged injury last season. We were able to discuss players they look up to, including Neymar.
With many newcomers to the side this year and managing the squad through dual competitions, fans were wondering just who would start on the pitch for their 1st home game of the season versus Adelaide United. Pre-match fan score predictions of 3-1, 2-0 and 2-1 were all guessed in favour of the home team. One fan even declared that Ji, the experienced 34yo South Korean marksman, would score a goal in home debut for the Bulls – a prediction that would prove crucial.
The game opened with an attack by Adelaide, which was quickly turned away by Macarthur gloveman – and arguably the A-League’s best goalkeeper, Filip Kurto. After a lot of back-and-forth play, Adelaide then took a shot that hit the crossbar.
Macarthur Bulls fans were on the edge of their seats as Liam Rose scored a goal in the tenth minute, putting Macarthur in the lead. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd soaked in Liam’s reaction after his first goal in 124 games – what made this even better was that his family were there to see it. A feat that no doubt contributed to him earning the Members Player of the Match!
Gasps filled the stands shortly after, as one of the youngest members of the side, Bosnjak, went down in back play and had to leave the field to cheers of sympathy from the crowd. Vickery was promptly ushered on and bravely took charge of the attacking role, injecting energy and making many valuable contributions.
Throughout the game, “King Kurto” made save after save, including a few important follow-ups to parry away consecutive shots in the box within quick succession – he surely frustrates opposition attackers with movements that make it seem like he has more limbs than an octopus.
The Macarthur defence were on edge late in the 1st half, hopeful to take their 1 goal advantage into the break. However, disappointment echoed through the stadium as Adelaide’s Yull fired a shot that snuck in via the near-post for a 1st half stoppage-time goal, seeing the teams go to the sheds for the half equalised on level terms at 1-1.
The half-time break saw fans entertained watching grassroots players from local clubs take to the field with Bulls mascot Arthur, to showcase their skills on the main pitch.
The mighty Bulls returned from the break with heads held high and eyes full of intent, to a roar from the home fans as they exited the tunnel.
The fans were on edge with as they were treated to some exciting passages of see-sawing attacking dominance from both teams, with Kurto again being called upon for a number of important saves to ensure the teams remained tied on level terms.
That is until our fearless captain, Brattan, lined up for a corner in the 64th minute. He sent the ball soaring high over the Adelaide defenders towards the far-post, where a Bulls player managed to rise high and connect with a well-aimed goal bound header. While the Adelaide goalkeeper was able to parry the initial effort, new recruit, Korean signing, Ji Dong-Won was there to pounce with a 2nd effort, filling the net to score his first goal of his A-League career. Brattan went on to make a number of good involvements throughout the game with well-timed tackles and good build-up plays, as well as a well taken shot from outside the 18-yard box.
In the 67th minute, young fans still on a high from Ji’s goal a few minutes earlier, calls of “6-7!” were heard all around as fans stared in awe at the time appearing on the big screen. An inspired young Harry Sawyer found himself in possession unmarked on the top of the box. He fired a fantastic rocketing shot on goal, only to be denied by the Adelaide keeper’s diving save.
In the few minutes that followed, Macarthur were awarded a few more corners off the back of sustained attacking pressure and fans remained hopeful they’d increase their advantage off another set play. In the later stages of the match, both teams opted for mass changes, with fresh legs joining the fray – Macarthur hoping to hold down the fort as Adelaide pushed for an equaliser.
As the 90th minute approached, Macarthur fans eagerly awaited the stoppage time board, which displayed 4 additional minutes – the Bulls fans know only too well that scorelines aren’t decided until the final whistle and thankfully the Bulls players maintained their grip to close out the game.
Players, staff and fans were elated to record a good early season win in front of the home crowd, with players taking to the sideline to celebrate and engage with the fans. Our second goal-scorer Ji showed his appreciation to the fans waiting at the fence – with more minutes through the season, the Korean marksman is sure to become a fan favourite.
Post-game, experienced player Matt Jurman shared some insight into his journey as a football player, which began when he was four! It was interesting to hear the training involved to play at this level, including many group sessions but also a lot of individual work. Fun fact: Matthew’s favourite post-win meal is pizza!
In the post-match press conference, coach Mile Sterjovski discussed the key mentoring role his more experienced players are taking on to nurture the young recruits. He spoke about the difficulties of managing campaigns in multiple competitions and the need to have depth in the squad, saying the knowledge and experience of the senior members, along with the efforts of club support staff are key for younger players to learn how to manage travel and multiple games per week, so we can get the best out of the squad through the season.
With such an amazing support network of coaches, staff, family and friends, our Bulls players are sure to have a fantastic season. We look forward to cheering on our mighty Bulls on Saturday evening as they take on Western Sydney Wanderers in the battle for Western Sydney bragging rights – arguably the most anticipated matches of the regular season.
