A Legend Returns: Exclusive Interview with Brendan Gan
Sutherland Sharks have completed the headline signing of former Malaysia international Brendan Gan, reuniting the 37‑year‑old midfielder with the club where his professional story began in 2008.
Gan’s journey since he last wore the Sharks colours is like three careers in one: NSW Premier League Gold‑Medallist as a teenager, A‑League star, Malaysian Super League captain, 37‑cap international, and quite literally a cancer survivor. The exclusive interview above captures him reflecting—often emotionally—on every twist of that remarkable path.
“There’s nothing like your boyhood club”
Gan’s face breaks into a grin the moment he walks out of the Seymour Shaw tunnel.
“I don’t think I’ve been this excited to be part of a club in a long, long time,” he admits. “There’s nothing that can bring the nostalgia back to your boyhood club.”
Raised in Marton, the tireless youngster first pulled on a Sharks shirt at U12s after an initial knock‑back at trials. Seven years later he burst into first grade, claiming the 2008 Gold Medal and earning a move to Sydney FC.
From Sydney to 90 000‑seat cauldrons
A‑League experience opened the door to Malaysia, where Gan enjoyed stints with Kelantan, Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur City. The highlight? A Malaysia Cup final so packed it “probably wasn’t a 90 000‑seat stadium—but there were 90 000 people stuffed in there,” he laughs. Trailing 2‑1, Gan equalised in the 90th minute; Perak went on to lift the trophy in a penalty shoot‑out. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it,” he tells.
The Toughest Opponent: Cancer
The highs were matched by hardship: two ACL ruptures and, in 2021, a shock diagnosis of testicular cancer.
Alone in Kuala Lumpur during COVID border closures, Gan endured surgery and chemotherapy without his wife and infant son at his side. The fear was real—“Do I pass away here? I’ve got a young family…”—but resilience, he says, was forged in earlier recoveries.
Six months later he scored on his comeback. “It all happens for a reason,” he reflects.
Why now, why Sharks?
With his eldest child about to start high school and the club’s facilities transformed, the timing felt perfect.
“This is literally my home. The gym, the field, the vision—everything’s moved forward. It’s the right moment to give back to the place that gave me my start.”
What Fans Can Expect in 2025
Game IQ & Leadership – Expect Gan to operate as a deep‑lying playmaker, dictating tempo and organising the press.
Set‑Piece Threat – His whipped deliveries were a hallmark in Malaysia and should add bite to Sharks’ dead‑ball situations.
Mentorship – Off the pitch he will assist academy sessions, sharing lessons from ACL rehabs, packed‑stadium pressure and international travel.
“I’ll be out there giving my all—100 per cent the whole way.”
See the Comeback Live
Gan is in line for his second Sharks debut this Saturday, 4 pm at Seymour Shaw. Tickets are selling fast; secure yours online and be part of a homecoming a generation in the making.
Welcome back, Brendan. Once a Shark, always a Shark.