Hali Long joins Brisbane Roar: Philippines women's national team captain moves to A-League Women

Brisbane Roar have officially confirmed the signing of Philippines women’s national team captain and centre-back Hali Long ahead of the 2026/27 A-League Women season. On the club’s official website, the Australian side introduced their new signing as a “true leader” who will bring vast international experience and solidity to their defence. With the addition of Hali Long, Brisbane Roar have shown their ambition to compete at the highest level in Australia. Hali Long, 31, is the captain of the Philippines women’s national team. She has been a mainstay of their defence for over a decade. With 106 caps, she has become the most-capped player in the history of the Philippine women’s team. She was a key figure in helping the Philippines qualify for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2026. In that tournament, played in Australia and New Zealand, Long featured in all four matches, playing a part in the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory. Her impressive performances caught the attention of several Asian clubs, including Brisbane Roar. Long’s career journey has been diverse. She began in the Philippines with Kaya-Iloilo, winning two national league titles. She then moved to Thailand to play for BGC College of Asian Scholars, where she helped the club win the Thai Women’s League undefeated and claimed the league’s MVP award. Those domestic successes demonstrate her ability to adapt to different footballing environments, a vital trait as she enters a new league such as the A-League Women. In addition, Long also spent time in the United States playing college soccer for the Little Rock Trojans at the University of Arkansas. That experience combined with her Asian career has shaped her into a versatile centre-back capable of reading the game quickly and handling pressure well. Brisbane Roar head coach Johnathan Clemente was full of praise for his new signing. “Hali is not only a strong centre-back in tackles, but also good in the air. More importantly, she is a natural leader. We need someone who can organise the defence, give timely instructions and inspire teammates. With her experience at the World Cup and in Asian competitions, Hali will help the team a lot,” he said. Long herself expressed her excitement. “I am very happy and proud to be part of Brisbane Roar. The A-League Women is a highly professional and competitive league. I know I have to work hard to adapt. I believe that with my experience, I can help make the team more solid. I want to thank the coaching staff and my new teammates for welcoming me. I will give everything for the club,” she said. A notable aspect of this move is that Hali Long will first lead the Philippines at the Asian Games in Japan before joining up with Brisbane Roar. That commitment means she will have limited time to train with her new club before the season starts. However, it could also help her maintain match fitness and sharpness, while performing on an international stage that demands full concentration. The arrival of Hali Long at Brisbane Roar is seen as a sensible move for a club looking to strengthen their backline. In recent A-League Women seasons, Brisbane have shown defensive fragility, particularly from set pieces. With her physical presence and aerial ability, Long is expected to address those issues. Her fighting spirit could also influence younger players and make the team more resilient in difficult moments. From a broader perspective, this transfer reflects a growing trend in Asian women’s football. Players from Southeast Asia are increasingly seeking professional opportunities abroad. The A-League Women has long been an attractive destination for Asian stars due to its growing investment and quality. Hali Long’s move to Brisbane Roar not only helps her personal development but also promotes Southeast Asian women’s football on the international stage. Given her performances for both club and country, Hali Long fully deserves the faith shown by Brisbane Roar. Yet, to succeed in a demanding league like the A-League Women, she will need time to adjust to new playing styles and culture. The support of the coaching staff and teammates will be key to helping her through the early stages. Can Hali Long establish herself in the A-League Women and help Brisbane Roar improve their fortunes? That is the question fans, especially in Vietnam and the Philippines, are waiting to see answered. The journey of the Philippines captain in Australia will be one of the most closely followed stories in the coming period. The 2026/27 A-League Women season will provide the ultimate answer.