Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers Auckland FC have signed 2022 Johnny Warren Medallist Jake Brimmer ahead of the club’s introduction to the league in season 2024-25.
Brimmer, 26, has arrived in Auckland after four seasons at Melbourne Victory, where he made 92 appearances and won the Johnny Warren Medal for his exemplary form through the 2021-22 campaign.
The creative midfielder is the 17th confirmed signing on Auckland’s 2024-25 playing list, and one of the club’s most eye-catching arrivals to date.
With 159 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances to his name – accrued at both Victory and Perth Glory, where his career began – Brimmer brings vast experience to the Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers where head coach Steve Corica has tipped him to produce great things with the Black Knights.
“He possesses immense talent that will take him beyond the A-League,” Corica said.
“Auckland FC has the pathways to help him achieve that and we anticipate he will step up to his role within the club as a key contributor to the team’s success both on and off the field.
“He has superb passing range and the ability to score from anywhere within 35 yards of goal. Combined with his tenure in Victory’s leadership group, Jake has demonstrated dedicated progression from player to a key role model for his team mates.
“The next step is to continue to work hard on his game and at being the best player he can be for Auckland FC.”
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Brimmer made 29 appearances for Victory in 2023-24, his career high for a single-season, but didn’t score a goal for the first time in all of his four campaigns at the club.
Born in Victoria as a Melbourne Victory fan, Brimmer admitted the decision to depart the club wasn’t taken lightly and the prospect of taking on new challenges in Auckland was the sealing factor in his decision to cross the ditch.
“It’s never easy leaving the club you’ve grown up supporting,” Brimmer said. “But Auckland FC will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having played alongside many of the team, I know how strong the squad is and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win.
“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under the leadership team of Steve, Nick (Becker, CEO), Terry (McFlynn, Director of Football), and Doug (Kors, Head of Player Recruitment). I couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.”
“I’m so pumped to walk out onto a new turf, a new home and in front of a stadium of new fans,” he added. “Honestly, hearing the backing of the fans and everyone shouting, it gives you an extra boost and you get goosebumps all over your body.
“Entertaining the fans, playing my absolute best and giving them something to get excited for is probably my favourite part of playing football. The new season is just around the corner and I’m ever ready to walk out and hear our Auckland FC fans.”
Brimmer’s arrival in Auckland continued a busy seven-day stretch for the club which included the signature of Central Coast Mariners treble-winner Dan Hall and the triple confirmation of Callan Elliot, Joey Champness and Scott Galloway as Black Knights.
“Jake is an example of a player who will get fans out of their seats and we are proud to be onboarding this pedigree of talent,” said Auckland CEO Nick Becker.
“As a more seasoned professional, Jake’s experience will be instrumental in guiding the next generation through the spotlight, showing fans they have earned their places in this squad.”
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