Hannah Brewer has been a shining light in Canberra’s star-laden side this season, and the high-energy fullback has revealed her special inspiration ahead of the Finals Series.
Canberra welcome champions Melbourne City to the nation’s capital on Sunday and Brewer will be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
After a long stint at Newcastle Jets, Brewer linked with Melbourne Victory and, very briefly, Melbourne City, in an effort to “test” herself.
It was with that spirit in mind that the Central Coast-rased defender, made the move to high-flying Canberra this term.
Currently studying special needs primary teaching, Brewer took last season off to help her brother Tom prepare and compete in the national judo championships.
“Special needs has a special place in my heart, because of my brother who I grew up with,” said Brewer.
“Helping him and his mates is something that is in me, and I absolutely love it.
“He is certainly my inspiration. When you see someone like that push themselves to the limit even though he is in a wheelchair and can’t talk, you realise just how people take things for granted.”
Brewer says her brother remains an inspiration “all the time”.
“I spend a lot of time with him when I am at home,” she said. “We are really tight and he is like my best friend.
“When I see people saying something is difficult ‘I think to myself you can’t be serious, pick your game up because it is not that tough’.
“One thing I love about Canberra is that everyone is so accepting (of Tom).
“The coaching staff especially put in a big effort to get a smile off him.
“(Coach) Rae (Dower) walks off the warm-up just to greet him, and I have never had that level before in a team environment and it is a total credit to the quality of people we have at Canberra.”
Such has been the success of Brewer’s move to Canberra, she is one of only three outfield players to feature in every minute of every game for the premiers.
“Personally I think it is one of the best seasons I have had in the W-League.
“I have been challenged on and off the park.
“I have been challenged on the training field and a fight-for-your-position environment is what I always wanted, and I’m super happy where I am at right now.
“Every team has stepped this season and that has helped create an extra challenge for everyone.”
The 23-year-old, who has featured in every season of the Westfield W-League after debuting for the Jets at 15, admits national team selection remains a driving force.
“It (Westfield Matildas selection) has always been in my mind,” Brewer said
“This season has been one of the best I have had and I want to build on that.”
Canberra defeated Melbourne City 2-1 back in December, famously becoming the first team to knock over last season’s champions, ending their undefeated streak at 18.
“We know it (Sunday) will be a tough game against them, it always is.
“The first round game we played against them (a 2-1 loss), we created plenty of chances but just didn’t take them.
“The second game, we finished our chances and came away with the win.
“There is a lot excitement in the team and we are looking for the bigger prize at the end.”
Should Canberra get past Melbourne City there will likely be one extra special supporter in the stands on Sunday week backing the team in green.
