Double celebration as big crowd attends A-League exhibition

A CROWD of more than 3000 people turned out to watch the Brisbane Roar take on the Newcastle Jets in an A-League exhibition match at Oakes Oval.

The Roar secured a 3-1 win as both teams continue preseason preparations.

The Jets held numerous coaching clinics and open training sessions with junior players from clubs across Lismore in the lead-up to the game.

The match was the first major sporting event at the upgraded $12.4 million facility since the floods in 2022.

It was a double celebration with the naming of a new grandstand in honour of Lismore product and Socceroos legend Craig Foster.

The official naming took place just before kick-off with Foster in attendance with friends and family.

“To have Craig Foster’s name, a local former Socceroos captain on this grandstand, is a proud moment for our city,” mayor Steve Krieg said.

“He is a homegrown talent who didn’t just represent Australia on the world stage, he became a national leader in sport. Craig has never forgotten his roots, and Lismore is proud to honour him in this way.”

Hundreds of junior soccer players were treated to an A-League game between the Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets at Lismore. Photo: SUPPLIED

Throughout his career, Foster earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, represented Australia in World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup tournaments and OFC Nations Cup victories.

Foster’s international playing career included stints with clubs across Australia, Hong Kong and England, before retiring in 2003.

He later became one of the country’s most recognisable football voices through his 18 years as chief analyst with SBS, covering multiple FIFA World Cups and shaping national conversations about the game.

“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have this grandstand named after me in my hometown. Thank you to Lismore City Council and the entire Lismore community for this generous recognition,” he said.

“Football has given me so much throughout my life, and it all started right here. This region, this community, shaped who I am. Sport has the power to bring people together and I hope this facility continues to do just that for generations to come.”

The Craig Foster Grandstand joins the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion and the Lyn Larson Grandstand as key facilities at the venue.