Coach’s Praise Shines Light on ‘Incredible’ Journey of 21-Year-Old Grateful for A-League Opportunity

Young midfielder Samuel Klein netted his second brace of the season, propelling Brisbane Roar to a 2-1 triumph over Central Coast Mariners at Industree Group Stadium on Friday night.

The Mariners took an early lead, with Arthur De Lima scoring in the third minute. However, 21-year-old Klein quickly shifted the tide in favour of the Roar in Gosford.

Klein’s double on Friday night brought his season total to five goals—the highest of any Brisbane player this season—as the Roar celebrated their third victory in four matches, extending their unbeaten streak to four games as they concluded the 2024-25 campaign.

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Klein’s impressive performance saw him leapfrog Asumah Abubakar and Thomas Waddingham to finish the season as Brisbane’s top scorer from midfield with five goals.

In the post-match broadcast on Network 10, Klein was informed of his Golden Boot achievement with the club—a delightful surprise for the player, who credited head coach Ruben Zadkovich for unlocking his potential during an exceptional breakout season.

“Honestly, if you had told me at the beginning of the season when I first joined the club, I wouldn’t have believed you,” an ecstatic Klein shared with Network 10.

“I came in wanting to play minutes, I had belief in myself, and I was fortunate to have a coach and a coaching staff who believed in me.”

“The start wasn’t easy; I didn’t get much game time initially, but I’ve been starting 13 or 14 matches towards the end of the season, which I’m really grateful to Ruben and Coyney (assistant coach Chris Coyne) for. Their faith in me allowed me to express myself and play my game.”

Next on Network 10, Zadkovich reflected on Klein’s success as footage showed a jubilant Klein celebrating with his teammates. The Roar head coach expressed the significance of witnessing a young Queenslander thrive at the club.

“That’s everything for me: watching players like that realise their dreams,” said Zadkovich.

“To be part of their journey is truly amazing.”

Heading into the final four rounds with only two wins, the Roar managed to gather 10 of their 21 points from victories over the Mariners, Western United, and Wellington Phoenix, along with a draw against Adelaide United, concluding the 2024-25 season on a positive note.

For the Mariners, the defeat against Brisbane marked a disappointing end to their title defence. Mark Jackson’s side found themselves in 10th position after the initial game of Round 29, with the possibility of dropping to 11th if Wellington Phoenix triumph over Perth Glory on Sunday.

The first half saw both teams create scoring opportunities, but it was the Mariners who struck first. Teenager De Lima netted his third A-League goal just two minutes in.

De Lima executed a clever run into the box to meet a cross from Bailey Brandtman, and his powerful header flew past Roar keeper Matt Acton to put the Mariners in the lead.

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Just 15 minutes later, Brisbane levelled the score as Sam Klein exhibited his clinical form with a header reminiscent of De Lima’s effort.

Antonee Burke-Gilroy’s cross invited Klein to exploit space in the Mariners’ penalty area, and the 21-year-old placed his glancing header into the bottom-right corner.

Highly-rated Mariners prospect Haine Eames almost put the hosts ahead again beyond the half-hour mark, but his powerful effort from distance was brilliantly deflected off target by Acton. The first half closed with the teams locked at 1-1.

After the break, Brisbane took a 2-1 lead as Klein secured his second goal from a corner kick in favour of the Roar.

This brace marked his fifth goal for the 2024-25 season; after failing to score in his first 11 appearances, Klein found his rhythm, netting five times in his last eight matches.

“He finds himself in excellent positions, this young lad,” commented Brisbane Roar legend Erik Paartalu during the Network 10 broadcast.

“His aggression is impressive. For a young player who’s fearless in tackles on the halfway line, he genuinely wants it. It’s fantastic to see him getting on the end of things—that’s something Brisbane Roar has needed.”

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Mariners’ young star Eames sought to fuel a comeback with another powerful long-range effort, but his shot rattled the post, allowing Brisbane to secure all three points in what was their third win in four matches to conclude the 2024-25 season.