Farewell ... John Brandman

John B, a co-founder of the team which eventually became the Waves Maroons, and captain in the first season, has been forced into early retirement following cartilage damage in a knee. An elegant and super fit midfielder, injury (and skiing) restricted his game time. He will be remembered most for a last minute winner in a 5-4 victory over Uni last season, smashing home from a tight angle. Oh, and for missing games when he suffered a back injury burying his beloved dog.
In honour of his service, we've dug out the interview he gave to Coastal Hogland website in the days when I had time to put together a more interesting blog.

Hello! Hello! The Coastal Hogs captain and resident muso opens up on Cat Empire, Bugs Bunny, Jennifer Hawkins and why he wants to be known as “Stud”.
Where I grew up Maroubra. Once a Coastal Hog always a CH.
My first soccer team Hakoah, earlier version of Sydney City, in Under 10s. Still trying to get it right.
My greatest soccer moment Grand final winning goal header in Engadine Eagles O35s. One of those where time slowed as perfect cross came my way and I had time to do crossword, bit of shopping etc on route to putting it away. Really should be allowed to happen more than once in life. Maybe this year . . .
WAG’s name Carol. Our 30th anniversary is coming up so that’s my excuse for being in Fiji in mid August, whilst others cement our place in finals.
KADs’ names Stuart (22). Sometimes painful child who makes occasional impressive guest appearance in goals for Coastal Hogs in training games. Accountant in Caringbah , but don’t hold that against him.
Jacqui (20). At Sydney Uni doing Liberal Studies. She was our excuse for visiting Montreal whilst she was on exchange last August.
Mitchell (15 ). Bass, drum and piano playing champ who will be the source of my early retirement fund when his band becomes famous. That’s my plan anyway.
Dog: Milly: Saved on route to pound. Cute and not capable of biting anything.
That embarrassing childhood nickname I don't want anyone to know was “Johnnies”- (yes plural). It just may have had something to do with being slightly more overweight than I am now. Should I hear the call again, I will once again examine the scales more closely.
The nickname I'd choose for myself Stud – if only for the mirth it would cause on the sidelines for those who know.
My job Engadine Music, a monster Carol and I gave birth to 28 years ago. Jury is out as to whether I’m running it or it’s running me.
My dream job Tour guide for small group (2) in exotic or erotic places I’ve yet to discover.
My favourite footy team Coastal Hogs. Because you’re just such nice guys.
My favourite (other) sport Snow Skiing – been doing that for 45 years and also still trying to get it right.
My favourite sportswoman Jennifer Hawkins. In any sport she’d like to play with me.
My favourite TV show Friends – All the ‘nice’ people remind me of the camaraderie of the Coastal Hogs.
Fave movie Monty Python’s Life of Brian. The mickey needed to be taken out of that subject.
Fave musician/band Zillions, for different reasons, but currently Cat Empire. A class act, with the most amazing live audience reaction. Catch them if you can at Enmore Theatre.
The song I like the most A piece called “New Images” from Artura Sandoval, an amazing trumpet player who escaped from Cuba and plays in octaves yet to be notated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOyE_3uODFE
Instructions for my funeral include playing this, followed by “Always look at the bright side of Life” (from Life of Brian), especially the line “Life’s a piece of shit, when you look at it". Appropriate from the grave I thought. As the mourners leaves “Another One Bites The Dust” would say it all.
What I like to cook Thick, rare steak. Feed the man meat!
Last book I read Biography of Robert Kennedy. Can’t believe what that family got away with. In my next life . . . Quiet night in or big night out Depends on whether Cat Empire are playing, whether I’m in Havana ( there’s a story there ), or a shared bath is on offer.
Cheese or chocolate Neither. Ice cream.
Paris or Kylie Jennifer Hawkins – refer earlier comments.
If I was a TV character I'd be Bugs Bunny. Give me a carrot and I think I’ve worked out the sport I’d like to play with my favourite sportswoman.
If I was a fish I'd be Hooked.
My dream car is In somebody else’s driveway.
If I had $10 million I'd give it to My creditors.
The best beer is Secretly hidden inside a bottle of red wine. You’ll often see me sampling its hidden secrets.

I'd like to be reincarnated as A table cloth. Go on, ask.
What's Cristiano Ronaldo got, that I haven't got The $10 million I'd give it to my creditors.
Goalkeepers. Who needs 'em Coastal Hogs, Coastal Hogs, Coastal Hogs, Coastal Hogs, Coastal Hogs.
Tell us a joke Now that you’ve asked about “why a tablecloth ?”
It’s ’cause you get laid 3 times a day and pulled off after every meal.
Very revealing interview there, skip. Always thought you were a man of the cloth.