Centre-back Brendan Hamill has quickly adapted to life at Melbourne Victory and is forging strong defensive partnerships with his 2021/22 teammates.
Hamill, who is one of ten new arrivals in pre-season, welcomes the prospect of competition for places as Tony Popovic continues to form Victory’s structure.
“It’s healthy to have competition for places,” said Hamill.
“Competition is needed to better us as individuals and as a team.
“At the end of the year, it won’t be one person that wins the Championship, it’s a collective effort and I am here to win things.”
Hamill is reunited with Popovic in Melbourne, having previously worked with the Head Coach at Western Sydney Wanderers.
“The Boss is an ex-defender himself and has played at the highest level,” Hamill said.
“He is meticulous and well known for being very disciplined and defensively structured and it is no different here.”
Alongside the likes of Matthew Spiranovic and Jason Davidson, Hamill is playing his part in a dynamic defence.
“We’re all in the same boat, as a new group of players,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of depth, plenty of Socceroos caps and that’s where I want to play – with the best.
Hamill joins an exclusive group of players to have represented all three Victorian sides and the defender is motivated by the prospect of playing in Derby matches at AAMI Park.
“I can’t wait to play against my former sides,” he said.
“Victory is the biggest club in Australia. No one can question that and our supporters prove that each season.
“I’ve played in Melbourne Derbies before for Heart, so I know what it’s all about and they’re the games you always want to be involved in.”