The 2nd Johnny Warren Medal winner to sign for a NZ ALM club today.
He was pretty average at the VUC last season under Poppa. At age 26, might be leaving it late for that big move to Europe. But interesting that both him & Hall (age 25) have chosen AFC over presumably other Aussie club suitors.
Foley's cash making a difference already.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/auckland-fc-melbourne-victorys-jake-brimmer-unveiled-as-new-a-league-signing/QOMQPJ3FDJETHBOIZ3ZIHNDJRA/
The 26-year-old, the 2021-22 recipient of the Johnny Warren Medal, which is awarded to the A-League Men’s best player, was unveiled by Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica during a pre-season training session at North Harbour Stadium.
He was pretty average at the VUC last season under Poppa. At age 26, might be leaving it late for that big move to Europe. But interesting that both him & Hall (age 25) have chosen AFC over presumably other Aussie club suitors.
Foley's cash making a difference already.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/auckland-fc-melbourne-victorys-jake-brimmer-unveiled-as-new-a-league-signing/QOMQPJ3FDJETHBOIZ3ZIHNDJRA/
The 26-year-old, the 2021-22 recipient of the Johnny Warren Medal, which is awarded to the A-League Men’s best player, was unveiled by Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica during a pre-season training session at North Harbour Stadium.
With nearly 150 A-League caps, he brings experience to the Auckland FC squad while entering his physical prime.
Corica expressed his confidence in Brimmer’s talent and believed the club’s pathways would help him succeed beyond the A-League.
“He possesses immense talent that will take him beyond the A-League. Auckland FC has the pathways to help him achieve that and we anticipate he will step up to his role within the club as a key contributor to the team’s success both on and off the field.”
At only 24 (wrong he's 26), Brimmer was the youngest Australian to win the Johnny Warren Medal award since Mark Viduka was crowned player of the year in 1995.
Brimmer, who has been praised for his all-action style of play and goal-scoring ability, has also been named in the A-League All-Star team and received Melbourne Victory’s Victory Medal.
Brimmer, who has been praised for his all-action style of play and goal-scoring ability, has also been named in the A-League All-Star team and received Melbourne Victory’s Victory Medal.
“He has superb passing range and the ability to score from anywhere within 35 yards of goal. Combined with his tenure in Victory’s leadership group, Jake has demonstrated dedicated progression from player to a key role model for his teammates,” said Corica.
“The next step is to continue to work hard on his game and at being the best player he can be for Auckland FC.”
In 2014, while negotiating a contract with the Victory, Brimmer was seen by a scout from the English Premier League’s Liverpool and subsequently signed a three-year deal. He spent three years with the six-time European champions before being released in 2017.
His signing adds to Auckland FC’s building squad, which includes back-to-back champion Dan Hall, All Whites Callan Elliot and Joey Champness, and three-time A-League title winner Scott Galloway.
Brimmer, who was born in Lilydale, Victoria, spoke highly of his time at semi-professional club Nunawading City FC in Victoria’s Premier League 2 and expressed his excitement for the new challenge with Auckland FC.
“It’s never easy leaving the club you’ve grown up supporting, but Auckland FC will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career. Having played alongside many of the team, I know how strong the squad is and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win.”