Why one of the best strikers in A-League history is fighting for his career – ‘keep working hard’

Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo has urged striker Bruno Fornaroli to ‘keep working hard’ in his bid to revive his A-League career.

Fornaroli, 37, scored 18 goals for the Victory last season, but the veteran has found himself on the outer so far during the club’s 2024-25 campaign.

The Socceroo wasn’t even part of the Victory’s match-day squad for last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Macarthur FC.

And while Fornaroli has been included in an extended squad for the club’s clash with Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday, he’s no guarantee to be part of the 18-man contingent Kisnorbo settles on for the game.

‘I know it’s hard and everyone’s been in that situation, myself included,’ former Socceroos defender Kisnorbo said.

‘The main thing is for him to keep training hard and working hard, and no matter what, regardless of the scenario or situation, everyone gets a chance, one way or another. 

‘It’s when it’s available, and if he takes it. ‘He’s been training well, he’s been doing great, and it’s my job to choose the best team for (Saturday’s) game.’

Since his debut in 2015 with Melbourne City, Fornaroli has scored 107 A-League goals, with further stints at Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.

Fornaroli, 37, scored 18 A-League goals for the Victory last season, but the veteran has found himself on the outer so far during the club’s 2024-25 campaign

This weekend the unbeaten Victory are chasing a hat-trick of wins, while the Roar are yet to open their A-League account this season.

‘We know of their strengths but the main thing for me is to concentrate and worry about ourselves,’ Kisnorbo said.

Meanwhile, Roar coach Ruben Zadkovich will demand a ’90-minute’ showing from his team after ‘patchy’ performances in losses to Auckland FC and Sydney FC.

‘There are always things you can do to stop moments and stop goals, and it’s usually not one thing, it’s usually a few things,’ Zadkovich said.

‘We’ll look to rectify that and we will.’

The Roar will again be without injured Ecuadorian winger Neicer Acosta (leg).

‘He’s going to be [out for] a few weeks, which is disappointing because he was really progressing well in the short time that he’s been with us,’ Zadkovich added.