Some of Melbourne Victory’s best have worn the number eight set to be donned by Josh Brillante during the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Brillante was a key signing for Victory ahead of the upcoming campaign, in a huge boost to the Club’s midfield stocks.
The 28-year-old will wear the eight shirt, and we take a look at some of the best players to don that number for Victory.
Amy Jackson (2010-15, 2019-current)
Now wearing the number 15, Jackson did don the number eight shirt for Victory in 2014. Jackson is the Club’s all-time record appearance holder in the A-League Women, having played 73 games, while only Natasha Dowie (34) has scored more than her 14 goals.
Angela Beard (2017-21)
Beard, 24, left Victory for a move to Fortuna Hjorring earlier this year, but not before leading the Club to the A-League Women Championship last season. The left-back starred during 51 league appearances in Victory colours and made her Australia debut in September.
Besart Berisha (2014-18)
A Victory great, Berisha was a goalscoring machine across four campaigns with the Club. The former Albania and Kosovo international scored 68 Isuzu UTE A-League goals for Victory, the second most for the Club, behind only Archie Thompson (90). Berisha won four trophies with Victory, including two Championships.
Grant Brebner (2006-12)
A star in midfield for Victory, Brebner won the double twice at the Club – in 2006/07 and 2008/09. After a season in the number 17, Brebner took Fred’s eight. He went on to play 119 league games for Victory – the ninth most in the Club’s history, and also coached the team last season.
Fred (2006-07)
The Brazilian was just the second man to wear the number after Andy Vlahos and Fred had quite the impact in one season at Victory. Fred helped Victory win the Premiership and Championship double in 2006/07, famously providing four assists for Thompson in the famous 6-0 Grand Final win over Adelaide United.
