NPL Gold Medal winner Joe Knowles signs with Brisbane Roar ahead of the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 26-year-old was an integral piece of the puzzle for Oakleigh in their championship-winning side this season, scoring 13 goals for the year including an extra-time winner in the semi-final against Port Melbourne.
The dynamic forward makes a return to Australia’s topflight after being released in 2018 by Perth Glory, where he made 15 appearances.
“It’s great to be given the opportunity by Brisbane Roar to be able to go back into the A-League,” Knowles told the Brisbane Roar website.
“It’s been a bit tough last few years with COVID lockdowns and not being able to play a complete season in Melbourne but I’m glad how it’s all worked out and I’m glad I’m up here.
“I just want to be able to show that I deserve to be at this level, and this is my second chance now.“
Western Australian-born Knowles signed with Scottish side Largs Thistle FC for the 2018-19 season following his Perth Glory stint where he made 14 appearances, before returning home to Western Australia to play for ECU Joondalup.
Knowles then made the move to the Oakleigh Cannons, signing a multi-year contract.
Following two seasons impacted by COVID-19, Knowles made his mark on the league in 2022, taking home the coveted Gold Medal award and also being voted the Players Player of the Year award.
The Oakleigh Cannons said Knowles would be "greatly missed" after a successful stint at the club.
"We are absolutely delighted and proud of Joe as he’s worked extremely hard for this wonderful opportunity," Oakleigh said on Facebook.
"A talented, respectful and outstanding individual, Joe will know doubt kick some major goals in Brisbane.
"Joe leaves OCFC as an NPL Champion and will always be welcomed back to OCFC with open arms."
In June, Knowles was awarded a trial by head coach Warren Moon to play in the Champions Cup where he scored against Premier League side Leeds United, while also taking the field against Aston Villa.
“That was a great experience and being able to train with the team was good but then to be able to play in those games against Premier League opposition was amazing,” he said.
“To score that goal was a dream come true.”
Knowles will wear No.28. at his new club, the same number he wore during his time at the Oakleigh Cannons.
Brisbane Roar kicks off their Isuzu UTE A-League season against Macathur FC on Saturday, October 8 at Suncorp Stadium.