After his first taste of the New Zealand Derby, Auckland FC star Jake Brimmer has predicted his club’s rivalry with Wellington Phoenix will become the biggest in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Having played in Melbourne Derbies and Big Blues throughout his time at Melbourne Victory, Brimmer spoke from an experienced perspective after coming off the bench to score twice in a match-winning display against the Phoenix at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s massive,” He told Sky Sport NZ post-game.
“To be honest with you, I was just speaking before to a few of the boys, and I think it’s the derby that’s going to end up as one of the biggest derbies in the competition, believe it or not.
“You’ve seen tonight, the travelling fans and the Phoenix brought big numbers as well.
“Give it a couple of years and this will be the biggest derby in the league.”
A total of 26,252 fans flocked to Sky Stadium to watch the first edition of the New Zealand Derby – a club-record crowd for Phoenix regular-season home games.
Eighty-nine minutes elapsed in a tight and hotly-contested derby before Auckland broke through – and Brimmer’s first of the afternoon came after a mistake from Phoenix keeper Josh Oluwayemi.
Brimmer doubled his tally in the seventh and final minute of added time after a fantastic run down the left wing from fellow substitute Luis Toomey.
Saturday’s derby triumph was Auckland’s third win from three in the club’s inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League campaign; Brimmer will forever be a part of New Zealand Derby folklore, having scored the first and second goals in the history of the rivalry.
His second of the afternoon put the icing on the cake on an unforgettable substitute cameo for the Australian midfielder who, in 2022, won the Johnny Warren Medal at Victory before two challenging seasons at the club in which he produced just three goals.
“It was unbelievable scoring two goals,” Brimmer added.
“It’s been a difficult year, two years for me with football and everything outside of football so it was a very special moment for myself and my family.
“You can’t beat that, a derby win and two goals for myself. It’s unbelievable.”
After scoring the first of his two goals at Sky Stadium, Brimmer rushed across to the travelling Auckland support and produced his now-signature goal celebration, putting his fingers to his ears in a touching gesture to his daughter Hayzel, who was born deaf.
“I’ve had to make a sacrifice moving to New Zealand,” he added. “I felt like it was an opportunity for myself and my family – but unfortunately, my kids couldn’t move with me.
“It’s a very special moment and the celebration is for my daughter Hayzel. I hope she’s watching, and I’m proud of her.”
