Southern league: Brighton prepares to honour its history

Brighton will pay tribute to its history this weekend but the skipper is well aware of the challenge Claremont will bring to spoil the party. Here’s why.

Brighton is hoping to honour its history in winning fashion on Saturday with the Robins winding back the clock with special Mangalore heritage strips for their clash with Claremont.

Formed in 1885, the Mangalore Football Club transformed into the Brighton Football Club in 1996 for its entry into what is now known as the Southern Football League.

On Saturday, the Robins will acknowledge their rich history as they look for their second win in three outings to start the season in a clash with the confident Magpies at Pontville Oval.

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Robins captain Sam Lewis-Johnson said the special clash, which will be streamed live at 2pm on the Mercury website, as well as the women’s game at 4.30pm, was a great way to connect the past and present.

“There’s going to be a function upstairs and we’ve put an invite out to past players and hopefully we get as many past people from the club as possible and make a big day out of it and make them be proud to still be part of the football club,” he said.

“Hopefully we can show the past members and past fans there that the club is on an upwards trend and hopefully they’ll be proud of what we are dishing out.”

Brighton coach, Paul Kennedy (L)Picture: Linda Higginson

The speedy skipper was full of praise for the Robins’ upcoming opponent Claremont who beat New Norfolk by 106 points in Round 1 despite winning just two games last season.

“Claremont have brought in some quality players this year and that result didn’t surprise us at all,” Lewis-Johnson said.

“Claremont are quite big bodied, experienced players and they tend to gel really well when they are on so we are really looking forward to the competition and it’s going to be quite a fierce challenge.”

While his side has quickly become known for its run ‘n gun style of play, Lewis-Johnson said the Robins would have to match the Pies on the inside first in order to use their slick attacking footy to full effect.

Fletcher Salter of Brighton Robins takes a mark.Picture: Linda Higginson

“Brighton (Oval) is quite big so we have got to be first to the ball and put our head over the ball,” he said.

“If we can spread and get it on the outside and use our legs and our attributes then that will make the job a little bit easier for us. But first and foremost it’s about winning the ball at the contest and spreading from there.”

Ahead of the clash, the young Brighton star said he and his teammates were loving their time at the club, largely in part due to the cultural shift brought in by second year head coach Paul ‘PK’ Kennedy.

“The vibe at the club is really good and the morale is up. Everyone at the club is really good mates and everyone is buzzing and just wants to get out there on the weekend and play good footy and make the club and the community proud.

“When ‘PK’ first came to the club he lifted the standards at training and brought a little bit more of a game plan to the club and that‘s made a profound difference.

“Everyone has brought into the game plan and into the effort and intensity required and I think that’s made a big change around the club and lifted the vibe as well. Everyone is really enjoying what he’s brought to the club so far.”