By JARROD POTTER
OPPOSING state strikers will have to get past Haileybury’s rock-solid defender Francesca Brand if they want to succeed.
The 12-year-old phenomenon from Black Rock, who studies at Haileybury’s Newlands campus, has stormed into the School Sport Victoria 12-and-under soccer team after starring in the tryouts and for her local Chelsea team.
After struggling with injuries in previous years, Brand was able to give the tryouts her full capability this year and she excelled.
“I had to go through a certain amount of trials and then they choose an amount they want to take through until the last trial when they pick the final 14,” Brand said.
“It was a big sigh of relief when I made it – a couple of the other times I had trialled I was injured and wasn’t playing at my very best.
“Made it through a couple of rounds but then was knocked out so I was pretty upset, but this time I kept training and just got there so that was pretty good.”
The wily defender/right wing was drawn to the position naturally, but admits her dad’s guidance also helped steer her towards the back-half of the ground.
“I’m a defender, but I can also play a bit of a wing on the right – central back and right defence,” Brand said.
“I think I just fell naturally to the spot – I’ve always really played defence and my dad said you always get further as a defender as no one wants to be a defender.
“So I thought I love playing defence… I’ll stick with it and can just improve and improve.”
Heading off to Bendigo for the championships, Brand hopes to get a few wins under the belt and hopefully bring home a medal to cap off her Victorian debut.
After the championships its back to playing at Chelsea – in both her boy’s and girl’s teams – she loves the challenge of beating the boys at their own game.
“I play in a boy’s team – it definitely improves my soccer as it’s a bit more intense and the trainings are more serious,” Brand said.
“There’s still fun but you’re always trying to learn and get better… you’re much strongly physically too.”
Hopes for the future are as focused as her defending – she wants to get across to America to play for her beloved Boston Breakers or represent an international team in years to come.
Brand wanted to thank her coach Rob Giabardo and her family for helping develop her soccer skills and for their support.
School Sport Australia will host the under-12 soccer competition at Bendigo’s Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve from 14 to 19 September.
