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 victory last season, but the veteran has found himself on the outside so far during the club’s 2024-2025 season.

The Socceroo was not even part of Victory’s squad during last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Macarthur FC.

And while Fornaroli has been included in an expanded squad for the club’s match against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday, he is no guarantee he will be part of the 18-man contingent Kisnorbo has lined up for the match.

“I know it’s difficult and everyone has been in that situation, including myself,” said former Socceroos defender Kisnorbo.

“The most important thing is that he continues to train hard and work hard, and whatever happens, whatever the scenario or the situation, everyone gets a chance one way or another.

“It’s when it’s available, and whether he takes it. “He has trained well, he is doing great, and my job is to pick the best team for the match (Saturday).”

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

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 A-League goals for Victory last season, but the veteran has found himself on the outside so far during the club’s 2024-2025 campaign.

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

“We know their strengths, but the most important thing for me is that we can focus and worry about ourselves,” Kisnorbo said.

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

“There’s 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 will try to correct that, and we will.”

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

‘That’s what he’s going to be [out for] a few weeks, which is disappointing because he’s made really good progress in the short time he’s been with us,” Zadkovich added.