A-League: Melbourne Victory captain Josh Brillante has eye on a World Cup prize

Josh Brillante has marked his return to the A-League by being appointed captain of fallen giants Melbourne Victory.

Josh Brillante has returned to the A-League intent on lifting Melbourne Victory out of the doldrums and reviving his Socceroos career in time for next year’s World Cup.

Brillante, 28, has been named the Victory’s captain and is a key part of new coach Tony Popovic’s plans to return the fallen giants and last season’s wooden spooners to the top of the A-League.

“I believe Joshy will show his real quality this year and I think everyone will see what an outstanding player he is,” said Popovic, who last season coached the former Sydney FC and Melbourne City midfielder at Greek club Xanthi.

Brillante said it was an honour to be appointed the Victory’s skipper, and promised to lead by example on and off the park.

“I’m growing more and more as a person now,” the Bundaberg product said.

“I have a little daughter now, so that’s been keeping me busy. It’s been amazing and it’s opened my eyes up.

“All these little things help me as a person grow, and hopefully that can help lead the club to more success.

“To see this club down the bottom … it’s not where it should be.

“The club’s done some rebuilding this year and so far it’s been a great vibe around the camp.

“We have a great team, and the foundations are there. Come round one, everyone’s going to be very excited about what we can do.”

Your 2021/22 captains! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hgG1HrgHGG

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 16, 2021

The Victory opens its season on Saturday night in a derby against Western United at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.

For Brillante, it’s not only the first step to returning the Victory to the A-League summit, but also the start of his case to reclaim a Socceroos jersey and be part of Australia’s 2022 World Cup, should the nation qualify.

Brillante earnt the most recent of his five Socceroos caps four years ago and was in Australia’s preliminary 2018 World Cup squad before being cut prior to the tournament.

“It’s always in the back of my mind,” he said

“Most (Australian) footballers have those aspirations to be involved in the Socceroos, so to come back and know that I’m going to play some decent football in the A-League, to get myself back up to that standard, it’s something that I want to be a part of.

“Of course, the World Cup’s just around the corner, so it would be great to be a part of that.

“There are a lot of great players in all positions for the national team, so you’ve just got to put your head down and work hard.”