Skipper returns, Brede Seccull signs on for 2020

Sandringham FC fans can rejoice. Brede Seccull has signed on for 2020. The skipper of 2019 claims he is far from done at Sandringham.

"I have some unfinished business," Seccull said. "It's been two years without finals. But I definitely love playing for the Club and I'm happy to be on board for 2020."

Seccull may have made a reputation at the SANFL (South Australian National Football League), but his football journey began at Sandringham.

"I'm originally from Melbourne," Seccull said. "But my partner is from Adelaide. We have friends over there, so there was some consideration of returning back to South Australia. But I 've been playing here for a while now and I started here at Sandringham. In 2010 I played for the Dragons till 2011, then VFL Collingwood in 2013 before I left to play in Adelaide."

Despite some consideration to return to Adelaide, Seccull came to the conclusion that there was no reason to leave Sandringham.

"There was no reason to leave," he said. "I believe I have a lot to offer the Club with my experience at Sandy. I like the opportunity to lead and bring that leadership quality to the team and the younger generation. And I'm looking forward to playing with new players and a new coach."

Ben McGlynn has recently been appointed as the head coach of Sandringham after playing the Assistant Coach role for three years.

"I think it's great to play under a man that's had experience at AFL level," Seccull said. "He's played for a few successful clubs in Hawthorn and Sydney. He was drafted as a mature age player and has a great understanding of the game.”

Although the captaincy is yet to be decided, Seccull would like to put his hand up once again to lead the Zebras in 2020.

"I'd love to captain again," he said. "I'm not sure what the coach has planned. Last year it came to a vote and we'll probably do the same thing this year. I just hope I'm the right man for the job again."

Seccull has been one of the more decorated players for the past two seasons at Sandringham. With two Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest medals in 2018-2019 and a spot in the VFL's Team of the Year in 2018, Seccull has taken his game to new heights.

"I think the more experience you have the better you get," he said. "I know my game pretty well. I'm the fittest I've ever been and it's all about getting to that next level and trying to be better."

After finishing 12th last year, the Zebras are keen to bounce back from their poor performance. A good preseason and a little luck may be the answer.

"We need to stay healthy," Seccull said. "We need to get our best team on the field. Sometimes there's a bit of luck to factor in with injuries, but with good preparation we should be ready to go round one.”

The defensive work of Sandringham was the key feature of 2019, but Seccull says a more attacking style is needed for the Zebras to make finals.

"We have to play a more attacking brand of football," he said. "Last year we were very good defensively, but we weren't pushing that ball up the ground enough to kick those high scores. So, that's something we need to work on."

With the successful signing of Seccull, it’s safe to say Sandringham has secured a weapon as the recruiting game continues.