Brandon’s Brumbies waiting atop of the Hills

What a season it has been for the Hills Brumbies SC club.

2016 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s Premiers, runners up in the Premiership in both the U20s and U18s, first in the Club Championship and promoted to the NPL2 for 2017, and the highest goal scorers in the league with 89 goals in 22 games!!

And it isn’t over just yet, with the Championship trophy looming, given Hills Brumbies are already qualified for the Grand Final on Sunday, September 25.

We asked Hills captain, Tom Brandon, to shed some light on the remarkable season the club has delivered in 2016, starting with what he believes are the team’s strengths.

“Our culture is fantastic at Hills Brumbies. The team always comes first, and we trust and have faith that the coach’s decision is what is best for the team over any individual,” said Brandon.

“We are a very committed and close knit group, always showing up to training and supporting each other on and off the park. The depth of the club means we have had plenty of alternative options at different times, but everyone feels valued, and that they play a very important part in the club’s success.”

Hills Brumbies’ brand of football is very attacking and incredibly entertaining. A philosophy to the neutral that may look like an approach of ‘however many you score, we’ll score more’, so the coaching has obviously been unique but proven very effective.

“We have three coaches who all help in preparing us to play each week, each providing their own stamp on the team,” analysed Brandon.

“Dan Shepherd gives us discipline and structure, and together with Joe Giovenali and Greg Giovenali, they put in so much effort in to preparing training, and making it fun, but it is also very effective in closing our gaps. As players, it is fantastic to have three people you can go to for ideas, all with a different style, but all speaking from the same page of the same book.”

The team has performed remarkably well on all fronts, but in terms of individual achievements, it is hard to ignore Peter Cejkaa’s 32 goals this season.

“Peter’s (Cejkaa) 32 goals really speaks for itself, he has been incredible. However, apart from his goals, Peter is a player who never shies away from the contest, constantly wanting to be involved, always chasing and working for the entire ninety minutes. Additionally, he will be the first to tell you he couldn’t have scored so many goals without the people around him, and the service from the midfield, plus the support from the defenders going forward, have all contributed to his achievements.”

Brandon thinks the team’s respect of the opposition in the NPL3 is a factor which drove Hills performance to greater heights.

“We’ve got plenty of respect for all teams in the NPL3. Rydalmere Lions have always been tough, they are so well balanced, play with the right spirit, and every game in truth could’ve gone either way despite the fact that we won each time. I was really surprised that Sydney University didn’t finish higher on the ladder, they are so well organised and focus on their game plan. It’s no surprise to see them both still alive at this point of the season,” commented Brandon.

The effort off the park is always just as intense and committed as it is on the park when a club is winning trophies, and Hills is no different to any other club in that regard.

“We have so many wonderful people that help run the club, it makes our job of focussing on playing so much easier. Our president, Dino Di Giulio, is always offering support, he employs people to do a job and lets them get on with it without interfering, but is always willing to lend a hand. Matt Pace is a long time servant of the club, always available to help out, whilst Paul Raad works so hard at driving the culture, communicating with the younger players, the parents, and making sure the club has a positive atmosphere. These and all the other people that work hard for the club are the type of people you simply want to play for and do well for.”

Does the promotion to NPL2 mean a host of changes as well as challenges?

“Our success this season means we have confidence in what we do, in our approach and our ability to play football. Of course we expect the games to be tougher, but if we can maintain the spirit across the club, which includes continuing to play good football and dictate matches, we will no doubt continue to improve and hopefully consolidate our position in the NPL2.”

But before they commence planning for the challenges of the NPL2 in 2017, Hills Brumbies have a small matter of the 2016 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s Grand Final to address.

You know you have achieved when you have undisputedly earned the respect and applause of your opponents on the way to winning the Premiership title, and Hills Brumbies are one such team. Only time will tell if they can put a full stop to the 2016 season with a Grand Final victory on September 25.