Cameron Smith on another level: Brosque
Apr 26, 2017 - 6:57 AM The Sydney FC armband fits Alex Brosque a lot more comfortably these days.But even now he's not so sure about being likened to Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith.
Coach Graham Arnold drew the flattering comparison, declaring Brosque on a par with Smith as Australia's best sports captain.
It was a compliment in recognition of the former Socceroo's role in driving the Sky Blues to the A-League's most successful regular season and the slog it took to overcome a potentially career-ending injury.
But the modest 33-year-old is also uneasy about Arnold comparing him to the NRL Immortal in waiting.
"I copped a bit of stick about it from my mates," Brosque told AAP.
"I look at someone like Cameron Smith and he's probably the ultimate captain in terms of what the media, his peers and teammates think of him, and what he brings to every single game.
"For me that's unrivalled in sport in this country, he's someone else.
"I think Arnie was probably trying to give me a bit of confidence and make me think more of what I do. It is nice, but Smith is well and truly on a different level.
"What they've done at Melbourne Storm they've been doing as long as he's been there really.
"This has been a great year for us, but we need to establish consistent form of being top two every year to leave that sort of legacy."
As Brosque points out, Sydney have something to build on - a 2014-15 grand final coupled with this season's rapid recovery from their 2015-16 hiccup.
Arnold's shrewd recruitment has been front and centre of the spectacular rebound, but the third-year coach also points to the way Brosque has grown into his captaincy.
Always known for possessing the on-field charisma of a natural leader, Brosque's default position off it was skewed more towards mateship.
He admits it took work learning how to balance his role as both one of the boys and a figure who could offer advice - and the occasional stern word - to a wide range of ages and personalities.
It's helped to recall himself as a youngster, a quiet forward who never sought guidance from more experienced players but valued it when it came voluntarily.
"As a footballer, the older you get the wiser you get - same with this role," Brosque said.
"Initially it was harder for me to step into it knowing what sort of character I am amongst the players.
"But now it's a lot easier. The boys listen a bit more when I talk now, and their work ethic makes my job a lot easier."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Lowe in awe of 'bloody good' Sydney FC Dec 30
- Ruthless Sydney FC put six past Glory Dec 30
- Sydney FC hunting Asian player for ACL Dec 28
- Sydney FC braced for January offers Dec 27
- Sydney FC made Wilkshire forget retirement Dec 26
- Arnie's Roos link not an issue: Sydney FC Dec 20
- Video ref spoils A-League emotion: Brosque Dec 18
- Sydney FC deny Arnold contingency plans Dec 17
- Arnold happy with A-League video review Dec 15
- Sky Blues' feisty A-League win over City Dec 15
- Sydney FC out to exploit City 'weaknesses' Dec 13
- World Cup carrot dangling for Wilkinson Dec 13