A-League stalwart Luke Brattan departs Macarthur FC

A veteran of 327 A-League appearances across four clubs, 36-year-old Brattan’s time with the Bulls is over after two seasons.

The former Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Sydney FC midfielder appeared in 64 games in all competitions for Macarthur, and had captained the Bulls since the departure of previous skipper Valere Germain in February last year.

Having made his A-League debut in December 2009 for Brisbane, Brattan went on to win three championships with the Roar.

He was signed in October 2015 by English giants Manchester City before being immediately loaned to Bolton Wanderers.

Brattan returned to the A-League on loan to Melbourne City in June 2016. He remained there until 2019, when he joined Sydney FC, where he won another A-League title.

In October 2024, Brattan because the Socceroos’ oldest debutant, making his one and only appearance for the national team at 34 years and 221 days old in Australia’s 1-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw with Japan at Saitama Stadium.

Apart from Brattan, the Bulls also announced on Wednesday that another former Socceroo, Chris Ikonomidis, as well as Rafael Duran and Kristian Popovic would also not be offered new deals.

The departures come less than a week after 34-year old goalkeeper Filip Kurto parted ways the Bulls after not being offered another contract.

Veteran striker Mitch Duke also won’t be returning to the club after the expiry of his short-term contract.

Meanwhile, championship-winning Auckland FC defender Dan Hall is poised to join Vietnamese top-flight outfit Hanoi FC, who are coached by Socceroos great Harry Kewell.

Hall, 26, won two A-League titles with Central Coast Mariners before adding a third grand final winner’s medal to his collection last Saturday night in Auckland’s 1-0 win over Sydney FC at Go Media Stadium.

With his two-year Auckland deal set to expire, Hall is expected to sign with Hanoi despite interest being shown in him by Western Sydney Wanderers.