Leigh Broxham has set his sights on making history when Melbourne Victory’s 2016 AFC Champions League campaign kicks off next month.
Broxham has featured in all four of Victory’s AFC Champions League campaigns, with the club still yet to progress past the Group Stage.
Victory kicks off its 2016 campaign at home on February 24, against an opponent to be determined after a playoff game on February 9.
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It also faces Japanese Emperor’s Cup champions Gamba Osaka and Korean side Suwon Bluewings in Group G.
“The club has never got out of the group (stage) in the Asian Champions League, and that’s something I personally want to do,” Broxham told SEN’s World of Football program.
“I want to see how far we can get, and I’ve got no doubt the club and ‘Musky’ as a coach, is pretty adamant he wants to get out of the group this year.
“Home games are very important. Travelling Asian teams are two completely different sides from home and away.
“I personally love playing in the Champions League. You get your chance to test yourself against the best players in Asia.”
Victory’s most recent AFC Champions League appearance was in 2014, when it was denied a place in the Round of 16 on goal difference.
“A lot of the boys that played in that campaign are still at the club, and would’ve learnt from it,” Broxham said.
“Those boys have probably played another 30 or 40 A-League games as well.”
In the short-term, Broxham and his team-mates are looking to climb back up the Hyundai A-League ladder.
This Friday night’s clash with Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park presents an opportunity to reduce the gap between Victory and the in-form league leaders.
“Things are still in our control. We’re not going to rely on other people’s results. We still play all the teams above us at the minute,” Broxham said.
“It’s an important game on Friday. They’re doing very well. We’ve got a few home games in a row coming up, and we need to get results.”.
