Brendan Hamill doesn’t know if he will get another on-field chance to contribute to Melbourne Victory’s A-League title bid, but the experienced defender is just happy to “belong” again after returning from a knee reconstruction.
Hamill made his first A-League appearance since May last year when he came on as a late substitute in Victory’s 2-0 weekend win over Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium.
“A mixture of emotions, I guess,” the 32-year-old said when asked on Tuesday how he felt about playing for the first time since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee 11 months ago in Victory’s semi-final first-leg clash against Auckland FC.
“Probably the biggest one is relief. (There was) a lot of hard work, sacrifice and ups and downs.
“The one thing in life you want to do is belong, and I contributed to the team on the field (against Wanderers) for five minutes, so that feeling came back of belonging.
“I’m buzzing. I’m happy to say I can close that book (on the injury) and focus on moving forward.”
More specifically, Hamill is focusing on Victory’s elimination final against Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Hamill doesn’t know if he will get game time, but wants to contribute in any way he can, whether it’s on the night or in the build up.
“We’ve got such a good squad, so much depth and each game requires something different,” he said.
“There are a lot of boys that miss out that would probably start in other A-League teams, so I’m aware of that.
“I’m just looking to do my bit every day at training. I’m probably one of the more experienced lads, so there are many ways I can contribute.
“Whatever way I’m called upon, I’ll be giving it my all.”
Victory is desperate to go one better in this season’s finals series, having lost the past two A-League grand finals.
The ace up Victory’s sleeve this season is Spanish star Juan Mata, who has made a timely return from a broken elbow.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder has been the A-League’s best player this season, and is poised to prove the difference not only on Saturday night, but for the entire month of May.
“He’s huge. Whenever I see him every day, I just say ‘wow’. To have him in the form he has been in all season, the way he contributes, on the field and off the field … you add someone like (him), all the ingredients are there,” Hamill said.
Among those standing in Victory’s way this weekend will be the club’s former coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who is now in charge of Sydney FC.
“Yeah, he was here once, but that happens … for us it’s business as usual,” Hamill said.
