Jake Brimmer’s debut goal may have sparked a famous Melbourne Victory comeback but the occasion meant a whole lot more for the 22-year-old.
After heading home an 84th minute equaliser last Tuesday Brimmer – as he did in the Asian Champions League – celebrated by putting his fingers in his ears as a tribute for his 15-month-old daughter, whom he dedicated the goal to.
”It was for my little daughter, she was deaf at birth so it was to raise awareness for her and the deaf community. It’s a goal I’ll remember forever because it was for her and now when I look at I think about the goal,’’ Brimmer said.
”She had her cochlears on when the goal went and was sort of taken aback because it was a big crowd and the fans did an amazing job.
”It’s motivated me more to make my family proud. I go into every game wanting to improve and to do them proud.’’
Young Hayzel was one of 15 in the Brimmer clan who witnessed the midfielder net the brace which proved the difference as the Victory went on to defeat Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
The goal was the first in Brimmer’s 63 game A-League career – with his previous two for the Victory coming in the Asian Champions League.
When Brimmer wasn’t carving up Melbourne’s north-east with Nunawading City, he was supporting the Victory from the North Terrace and very nearly signed for the club under Ange Postecoglou before his move to Liverpool as a 16-year-old.
While a return to the A-League with Perth Glory brought Brimmer closer to home, the opportunity to be closer to his family in Melbourne and sign for his boyhood club was too good to refuse.
”It was a long six years I got a bit homesick at first but it’s something I’ll take for the rest of my life,’’ he said.
”I’ve been a Victory supporter, I used to go to the games and sit in the North Terrace so it’s something I’ve always cherished and wanted to do.
”I think the biggest thing for me was coming back to Melbourne with my daughter and she couldn’t fly which was the biggest thing. Now we’re back home we’ve got my family and parents here so now I can focus on improving on every game and keep moving forward.’’
Brimmer will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday when the Victory meets Western United at AAMI Park.
Victory is yet to defeat Western United, with Mark Rudan’s side coming away with the win on all three occasions last season.
Featured Image – Getty Images
