Former defender Brendan Hamill termed Mohun Bagan Super Giant are the biggest club in Indian football and defined his experience with the club as a humbling one.

The Australian defender joined the Mariners in the 2022-23 season from Australian champions Melbourne Victory FC. During his two-year stint with the Indian Super League (ISL) club, the defender experienced a successful tenure as he won the ISL Cup in his debut season and clinched the Durand Cup and the League Shield in the 2023-24 season.

Hamill made 34 ISL appearances for the Mariners in which he registered two goal contributions. He became an important member of the team and also featured in the AFC Cup during his time with the century-old club.

The Australian international rejoined A-League side Melbourne Victory FC during the summer transfer window after bidding farewell to Mohun Bagan SG in the summer. The defender reminisced about his memories in India while sharing his thoughts on playing for a historic club in an interview with aleagues.com.au.

“It was an experience. It was a humbling experience. Taking in a different country and culture. On the football front, it was quite successful. Won a Championship, a Premier’s Plate, and a Cup,” Hamill said.

“Got some good game time in Asia in the AFC Cup last season. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great experience overall,” he added.

Mohun Bagan SG has a massive fanbase, with thousands of supporters flocking to the stadiums for the team's matches at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkatan.

Hamill expressed his excitement about the support he received as part of the team, highlighting the fans' passion for the game.

Speaking in context, he shared, “They’re the biggest team in India. The biggest fan base. I think last season they averaged the third-highest attendances in East Asia. 30,000 a game.”

“They’re always showing up to games, always stopping you in the street. Your social media blows up when you go there. They show a lot of love. I’m grateful for that. You saw Macca (Jamie Maclaren) land at the airport—they showed a lot of love. They go to every away game and give you gifts,” he recalled.

Mohun Bagan SG were crowned the League Shield winners in the final league stage fixture last year, where they beat Mumbai City FC by a 2-0 scoreline on their home turf to record their first League Shield triumph. It was a jampacked Salt Lake Stadium, with the home supporters backing the Mariners with their eternal passion and ever-roaring chants.

Sharing his experience of playing in the League Shield decider, Hamill remarked,

“It’s pretty insane. Last game of the season, (with) Shield on the line and a full stadium. Winning the league. It was pretty incredible. The scenes. Regardless, wherever you play, you can’t take that away from us.”

Hamill quickly became a fan favorite because of his robust defending and leadership qualities.

During his time with the club, the Australian shared his experiences of interacting with fans both on and off the pitch and feeling their affection.

“We’re going to training; we have 100 people every training session wanting selfies and autographs. You’re walking through the streets; you’re going to the shopping centers, and you’re always getting stopped,” he expressed.

“You feel like you’re loved. You feel like what you’re doing means a lot."