Melbourne Victory’s Leigh Broxham opens up on the challenges of raising triplets.

LIFE’S different for Melbourne Victory hardman Leigh Broxham. After a two-year-plus battle to start a family, he and wife Sam have opened up on the challenges of raising triplets.

Melbourne Victory star Leigh Broxham with wife Sam and young triplets Mila, Sonny and Billie, all 2, Saturday's traditional pre-Christmas Melbourne Derby against Melbourne City. Picture: Ian Currie

THE family photoshoot with the Broxham triplets provided a snapshot into life for Melbourne Victory stalwart Leigh Broxham and wife Sam.

Replete with negotiation, bribes, breaks… and more bribes, ice-cream, chocolate and an early Santa sighting were shrewd, strategic negotiating tactics used on the gallivanting two-year-old triplets Sonny, Mila and Billie, who proved more elusive than some of the A-League stars that Broxham’s muzzled over the years.

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Melbourne Victory star Leigh Broxham with wife Sam and young triplets Mila, Sonny and Billie, all 2, Saturday's traditional pre-Christmas Melbourne Derby against Melbourne City. Picture: Ian Currie

“Life’s definitely different. What can you say? Sam was a twin so we thought that could happen, but no-one expects to ever have triplets,’’ Leigh Broxham said.

“They’re three different kids, which comes with challenges. We’ve moved house, changed cars. We’ve got a routine, but it’s taxing.

“They’re up at 6am. If you don’t get to them early enough, all their nappies are off and there’s a little party going on (in their room).”

Sam’s poise and guile around the kids is akin to marquee star Keisuke Honda directing traffic for Victory on the pitch.

Taking the challenges in their stride, the Broxhams feel “blessed” after a two-year-plus battle to start a family.

Victory hard man Leigh Broxham has his eyes on the prize. Picture: AAP

“I didn’t put my hand up to have triplets. It happened and I just do it. I don’t really know any different,’’ Sam said.

“A little bit of bribery (occurs). They’re well behaved, but it’s three versus one. Leigh’s away or at training (a lot).

“Santa’s the go-to at the moment. A trip to granny and grandad’s or the park is also popular.

“Getting three of them dressed. By the time you got the third one dressed, the first one’s got their shoes back off.

“Just going out, getting strollers in the boot, getting three of them in their car seats.

“It’s difficult. We try and do different activities, but swimming lessons (for instance) I need two extra adults with me. Everyone works.”

Herald-Sun photographer Ian Currie was scrubbed from the list of potential babysitters, descending into a tongue-twisted mess while trying to direct the triplets amid tears, lookaways and breakaways.

Leigh Broxham is part of the furniture at Melbourne Victory. Picture: Getty Images

“That was one of my toughest jobs,’’ Currie said with a laugh.

“They’re all different personalities. It was good fun.”

It’s an exciting few days ahead in the Broxham household, starting with Saturday’s traditional pre-Christmas Melbourne derby.

“They love football. They sing when (players) walk out, sing when they win, which has been quite a lot,’’ Sam said.

“When Leigh goes on away trips, we live by an airport (Moorabbin), they stand on the balcony and wave at the aeroplanes and say ‘daddy goes to work on an aeroplane’.

“This is the first year they understand a bit about Santa. They know he brings presents. There’s lots of requests.”