Victory recruit’s ‘insane’ adventure at Asia’s new go-to club for Aussies: ‘It’s next level’
After two years away, Brendan Hamill is back at Melbourne Victory. In an interview with aleagues.com.au, the Australian defender reflects on his time in the Indian Super League and his big motivation heading into season 2024-25.
Life is full of experiences, and football is no different. Especially when you are immersing yourself in a new culture.
For Melbourne Victory recruit Brendan Hamill, his trophy-laden time with Indian Super League (ISL) giants Mohun Bagan went beyond the joy of silverware alongside his close Aussie friend Dimitri Petratos and former Central Coast Mariners star Jason Cummings.
“Jason Cummings went over a year into my tenure and there was nothing I could say to him to prepare him for what is coming,” Hamill told aleagues.com.au.
“In terms of culture shock, way of living, football, football mentality, business, the whole lot.
Hamill continued: “It was a shock how they do things. I went over with my family. Everyone was very welcoming. The club I was at attended to everything.
“It’s just interesting to see how they are as people and how they operate, and how they work in football. Just going with the flow because you get curveballs every single day.”
After winning the 2021 Australia Cup with Victory, Hamill made the move to Mohun Bagan in 2022.
During his stint with the ISL powerhouse, the 31-year-old established himself as a cult hero during a period which saw Mohun Bagan win their first ISL Cup, to go with a Premier’s Plate and the Durand Cup.
“It was an experience,” Hamill reflected. “It was a humbling experience. Taking in a different country and culture. On the football front, it was quite successful. Won a Championship, a Premier’s Plate and a Cup.
“Got some good game time in Asia in the AFC Cup last season. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great experience overall.”
In April, Hamill and Mohun Bagan got their hands on a maiden ISL Shield after dethroning defending champions Mumbai City in the title decider in front of more than 60,000 fans.
“The stadium was full. I think it’s an 80-90,000-seat stadium,” Hamill said.
“I think legally they’re only allowed to put it in 60-65,000 but the rules sort of go out the window there, so it was probably closer to 75-80,000.
It encapsulated the stature of Mohun Bagan, who have since recruited the Isuzu UTE A-League’s all-time leading goalscorer Jamie Maclaren and Brisbane Roar captain Tom Aldred, and their standing in East Asian football.
“They’re the biggest team in India. The biggest fan base. I think last season they averaged the third most highest attendances in East Asia. 30,000 a game,” he recalled.
“They’re always showing up to games, always stopping you in the street. Your social media blows up when you go there. They show a lot of love. I’m grateful for that. You saw Macca land at the airport – they show a lot of love. They go to every away game and give you gifts.”
In the words of Hamill, Mohun Bagan’s tifo game was also “next level”.
