Double Championship and Premiership winning captain Alex Brosque will strengthen his already legendary reputation at Sydney FC when he becomes the Sky Blues leading Hyundai A-League appearance maker against the Newcastle Jets this Saturday night.
The 34-year old will be pulling on the Sky Blue jersey for the 179th time in the Hyundai A-League, surpassing the club appearance record held by Terry McFlynn.
Brosque, who is also Sydney FC’s record goalscorer in the Hyundai A-League with 55 goals, is pleased with his impending achievement, having enjoyed a special relationship with the Sky Blues since making his debut in 2006.
“Walking out on Saturday knowing that I’m about to surpass Terry McFlynn’s record is going to be a fantastic feeling,” he said.
“Obviously we’ll have a job to do and that will come first but to be able to reflect on the match afterwards and think about that milestone and what has been achieved personally will be a big honour on my part, and humbling as well.
“I feel very fortunate to have played this many games for such a wonderful club.
“Terry McFlynn is a very good friend of mine, a very good player and a very good guy, so I guess if I’m to pass anyone’s record it’s nice that it’s his,” he said.
Brosque has enjoyed two highly successful stints with the Sky Blues having won the Hyundai A-League Premiership and Championship double on two occasions, in the 2009/10 and 2016/17 seasons respectively.
Chairman Scott Barlow believes Brosque will be well remembered for his many years of service and dedication to the club.
“I remember the excitement around the club when we first signed Alex back in 2006. It was a real coup to have secured one of the most promising young strikers in the country,” Barlow said.
“Alex has certainly come a long way since those early days and has grown into an exceptional leader and a key figure within our club. It has been a pleasure to watch his journey at Sydney FC over the years and I’d like to congratulate him on becoming our club’s most capped player.”
Sydney FC will honour Brosque’s achievement with a pre-game presentation and guard of honour for the Sky Blues’ captain, while around the ground 5,000 of his legendary beards will be handed out to Members.
Head Coach Graham Arnold was effusive in his praise for Brosque ahead of his landmark achievement.
“He is Sky Blue. He is everything that Sydney FC is about – passion, pride, and a wonderful leader for this club,” he said.
“When our leader fires, we fire. Since I’ve been at the club he’s had such a big impact on not only the club but on myself.
“I know he is not underrated because everyone sees what he does and the passion he has for the club in the way he plays. He is a fantastic player.”
The match will also see Brosque record his 200th Hyundai A-League appearance overall, including his season with Brisbane Roar.
From an individual perspective he has been named Sydney FC’s Player of the Year on three occasions and been included in the PFA A-League Team of the Season twice.
In addition Brosquey has captained the Sky Blues on 74 occasions, more than any other player in Sydney FC’s history.
Brosque will no doubt be looking to add to his impressive record against the Jets, having scored 13 goals in 26 games against Newcastle.
Show your appreciation for everything Alex Brosque has given to Sydney FC by supporting the Sky Blues as they take on the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:50 PM AEST.
SYDNEY FC MOST HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE APPEARANCES (as of 16th November 2017)
178 Terry McFlynn (2005/06–2013/14)
178 Alex Brosque (2006/07–present)
165 Sebastian Ryall (2009/10–present)
146 Rhyan Grant (2008/09–present)
109 Clint Bolton (2005/06–2009/10)
107 Steve Corica (2005/06–2009/10)
100 Vedran Janjetovic (2012/13–2015/16)
96 Matthew Jurman (2007/08–2016/17)
95 Shannon Cole (2008/09–2011/12)
88 Iain Fyfe (2005/06–2008/09)
SYDNEY FC MOST HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE GOALS (as of 16th November 2017)
55 Alex Brosque (2006/07–present)
24 Alessandro Del Piero (2012/13–2013/14)
23 Steve Corica (2005/06–2009/10)
18 Filip Holosko (2015/16–2016/17)
17 Mark Bridge (2008/09–2011/12)
Be at Allianz Stadium this Saturday for Alex Brosque’s record breaking Hyundai A-League appearance and be one of the first 5,000 through the gates to pick up your commemorative Alex Brosque Beard! Get your tickets today and be there to back your Sky Blues!
