Hamill swaps Wanderers for Western United in blow for Babbel

Brendan Hamill’s switch from Western Sydney Wanderers to Western United will be announced imminently, with the ex-skipper’s departure leaving a big hole for coach Markus Babbel to fill.

Former Western Sydney Wanderers captain Brendan Hamill Source: AAP

Hamill, whose departure from Wanderers was announced today, becomes the 16th player signed by the expansion club.

He curtailed contract extension talks at Wanderland to join the A-League newcomers, who will become the third Victoria-based team in the competition next season.

The 26-year-old was a key cog in the Wanderers line-up and becomes the 12th player to exit the club in the post-season, joining former Wanderers teammate Josh Risdon at the new franchise.

Having signed for the Wanderers in 2014, he was the longest serving player on the club’s books - a sign of the turbulence and impermanence of the competition’s player market.

He helped them win the AFC Champions League but was also dogged by injuries in his early years at the club, accumulating a total of 103 appearances.

He was handed the armband at the start of last season, and will be one of several leadership figures at Western United with the likes of former Besiktas defender Ersan Gulum and former Socceroos striker Scott McDonald also bringing their experience and guile to the club.