The belief in Scotsman is so steadfast among the Victory hierarchy that some directors believe he can still steer the Navy Blue to a top-four finish, and emphatically silence those who question whether the club legend is equipped to handle the transition to the top job.
With Victory dead last on four points from six games following last week’s 2-0 loss at Western Sydney Wanderers - and thus far looking one-paced and predictable - that might appear an optimistic prophecy.
The board didn’t waste time in dismissing German Marco Kurz midway through the last campaign after a poor start.
But a well-placed source close to the board told The World Game: “There’s no panic at all at the moment (regarding Brebner).
“The club never expected the team to start taking off before round eight or nine at least.
“It’s a new squad, and it takes time to build understanding and also (for the coach) to get his best team on the park, which he hasn’t been able to do so far.
“The faith in Grant is there and it’s strong. The board is behind him 100 per cent.
“There’s a belief he’ll steer the club to the top four come the end of the season, and will then be fighting for the title next season.”
With three successive home games to come, Brebner and his Scottish assistant Steve Kean will have every opportunity to steady the ship, starting against the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
“Grant has a lot history at the club, knows how everything works and has been good with developing our young kids,” added the source.
“The club wanted to go with someone familiar - it’s better the devil you know than the one you don’t.”
Brebner was in charge as Victory won just one of their five matches at the conclusion of last season.
However, he led the team into the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League for only the second time in their history in November, fielding an inexperienced line-up, and has a deep reservoir of goodwill to draw from.
“He knows what he’s doing and has a good team around him,” added the insider.
“He’s made some good signings and once he has the entire squad at his disposal we’ll see a big difference after what has been a difficult start.
“He has a two-year contract and nobody is questioning him or doubting him.”
Initially reluctant to take the reins, a downcast Brebner said after the loss to Western Sydney the club were in “a tough position” but he’d do his utmost to “turn it around”.
