___ >>> click here for Victory training pics    

Broxham wore the armband for most of Victory’s pre-season but the absence of Mark Milligan on Socceroos duty gifts the midfielder the chance to captain his side for the first time in A-League action.

“I have been stepping in for him this year,” Broxham said. “It’s something that Ange (Postecoglou) has asked me to do and I’m happy to fill in for Millsy.”

“He’s obviously a great captain and nothing really changes for me whether I’m wearing the armband or not so I’m just happy to be out there.

“I’m just pretty focused on my football at the moment I’m still pretty young so for me it’s a bit of a bonus but there’s a lot of good leaders out on the pitch at the moment.

“But it won’t mean anything without the three points.”

The 25-year-old played most of pre-season last year, as well as the opening round against Heart, but was dropped to the bench by Postecoglou for the majority of the first half of the season.

He admitted it was a tough period for him but he worked hard to get back in to the squad, and will now lead his side out going in to round one of the 2013-14 season.

“We lost our first three or four games I think last year and that didn’t help at all,” said Broxham.

“Obviously on a personal level I worked my way in to the team pre-season, but when results don’t go your way as a team it’s fair enough their gonna change things and I was on the end of that.

“I had to go away and work on things myself and be patient which I was and eventually got back in the team.

“They were winning games by then as well so it was hard to get in.

“If I have a bad week I might be out the next week or the next day. Nothing really changes for me.

“I’m fortunate enough I’ve been playing some games pre-season and hopefully I can take that in to the start of the season.”

Despite Victory being slightly disadvantaged due to the international weekend, Broxham sees the light side in FFA’s scheduling.

“It’s obviously hampered us in the past, “ said Broxham. “It would make sense not to have it on the same days but it is what it is.”

“I guess if you’re a football fan it’s a great weekend – A-League’s back and Socceroos are playing.

“I am a football fan as well and enjoy watching so it’s exciting for football fans in general.”

    ___ >>> click here for Victory training pics