Q and A with Professional Footballer Brandon O'Neill
Born in Perth, Australia, O'Neill signed a youth contract with A-League club Perth Glory in 2010 and 2011. He made his professional debut in the 2011–12 A-League season in 2012 in a round 26 clash against Gold Coast United at the Robina Stadium.
On 3 May 2012 it was announced he had signed a two-year senior contract with Perth Glory.
On 25 May 2015, O'Neill signed a two-year contract with Sydney FC.
O'Neill scored his first A-League goal in the Sydney Derby on Saturday 8 October 2016 by bending a free kick around the wall from just outside the penalty area into the top right corner. He scored his second goal of the season, also from a free kick against Melbourne City on Friday 24 February 2017 by curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner.
Following performances which made him a key member of the starting squad, Sydney FC re-signed O'Neill for another two years on 13 December 2016.
On 26 March 2017, O'Neill scored his third goal for Sydney FC away at Perth Glory, with a low and hard shot from outside the box, as the Sky Blues ran out 3–0 winners and secured the premiers plate.
Current Club
Pohang Steelers
Brandon is currently signed to the South Korean Club, Pohang Steelers.
He made his debut for Australia national soccer team on 7 June 2019 in an friendly against South Korea, as a starter.
I managed to to have a chat with former teammate of mine Brandon and asked him a few questions.
1. When and how did you start playing football?
"I think I officially started playing football at under 8s with my two best mates and cousins. Since I could walk I wanted to kick a ball around but unfortunately between the ages of 5-8 I had some health problems that didn’t allow me to play football."
2. Did you play any other sports as a kid?
"Football was always my first sport. Whenever I could play it I did. But I also enjoyed cross country running and swimming as a young lad."
3. Who were your role models growing up?
"My role model growing up was always my father. He gave me everything and more to succeed in football. He was always there when I need someone to talk to or advice & he was always the first one to say I’d done well. He still is to this day my role model. Footballing wise, my favourite player of all time had to be Paul Scholes. He could do it all. Attack and defend. He is the player I try model my game off."
4. When did you start to think you could potentially make it as a professional?
"Probably around 13-14. I realised I was playing up age groups and doing quite well. I still remember playing with you Lukey and enjoying the challenge so much of playing against “men”. From then on I was on a mission to become a professional footballer."
5. What’s life like as a professional footballer?
"It is honestly the best job in the world. I truly mean that. Everyday I wake up and get to do the thing I love. I get to challenge myself everyday to get better as an athlete. I get to travel to world and experience new cultures & I have the privilege of meeting new friends along the way. Everyday I count my blessings to be able to live the life I live but I never take it for granted."
6. What advice would you give to any young aspiring players?
"Hard work pays off. Dedicate yourself to your craft, work really & I mean really hard and never be happy with success. You’ve got to fall in love with the process. If you do then success will always be on the horizon. Enjoy your hard work and you will never work a day in your life."
