Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip has demonstrated his faith in defensive rising stars Brendan Hamill and Curtis Good by declaring they will start Sunday’s Hyundai A-League Elimination Final at nib Stadium.

With experienced centre back Simon Colosimo out through injury, van ‘t Schip had no hesitation in announcing Hamill would join Curtis Good in the heart of defence for the weekend’s crunch encounter, re-emphasising his faith in promoting youth.

“I’m very convinced about the qualities of Brendan and Curtis. Age doesn’t say anything to me, I look at the performance, and looking at the performance, I see all the players also making mistakes,” he said.

“It’s not said that they’re not going to make mistakes because everybody makes mistakes, but I’m very confident in the way they play, the way they defend, the way they physically are on the pitch. That they have to deal with an experienced striker is something that’s a fact.

“I think Victory had some experience, and they copped four, there were other teams with experience and they lost, it’s just how is the player on the day; is he going to feel good, does he have the confidence, they are both.”

In his debut season, Good has featured in all but one match this campaign, cementing his status as a future Socceroo with a series of commanding displays belying his age.

Meanwhile, Hamill’s already burgeoning reputation has been further boosted by an impressive 22 appearances in Red and White this campaign, with his confidence in playing out of defence a particular highlight.

“I think Brendan and Curtis showed this year they are capable of playing at a very high level, and now they have to show it together. It’s a great challenge, a big thing for them both, with the two of them ready to play a final like this.”