HE’S been the ultimate super-sub for Western Sydney Wanderers this season - scoring five goals off the bench, helping earn Tony Popovic’s team a whopping ten points with his late cameos.

Little wonder he’s a fan favourite at Wanderland - and Brendon Santalab has extra reasons to enjoy the adulation he receives from the crowd, every time he scores. For Santalab was a “miracle baby” who wasn’t expected to survive the very serious condition he was born with.

“It’s called diaphragmatic hernia - an abnormal opening, which allows organs around the belly to creep up into the chest cavity, and you basically suffocate. I’m a very lucky boy, and when I look back at the photos from the hospital, sometimes I get a little bit emotional, because I realise how lucky I am to actually be here,” says Santalab.

Brendon Santalab as a baby in hospital. Source: FOX SPORTS

Brendon Santalab as a baby in hospital. Source: FOX SPORTS

The Wanderers striker was born in Wollongong in 1982, and he has no idea how he managed to survive. Only around 1% of infants born with the same condition live to tell the tale. But somehow, Santalab battled through, after being flown to Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney for an emergency operation, the scars of which he still carries today.

Brendon Santalab shows off his scar. Source: News Corp Australia

But the mental scars remain deep - not just for himself, but for his parents, and the harrowing ordeal they went through, watching their son fight for his life.

“I’ve always been very close to my family - mum & dad have been unbelievable for me, right from my recovery as a baby to now. They mean the world to me. I’ve played in a lot of different countries; China, Belgium, Singapore, and mum & dad have been to every one I’ve played in. I’ve been through some tough times overseas, and they have been there for me the whole way,” says Santalab.

Brendon Santalab. Source: News Corp Australia

Incredibly, Santalab didn’t just cheat death once as a child - but twice.

“When I was 2 years old, I had a ruptured appendix. Mum and Dad had the car packed to go to Canberra to celebrate Christmas. I was vomiting, so they took me to hospital - and lucky they did, because another few hours, and once again, I could have been gone. I don’t want a third time - I’ve had enough of putting my parents through the pain.” says Santalab.

Brendon Santalab scores for the Wanderers. Source: News Corp Australia

Santalab’s experiences are perhaps one reason why he takes so much pride in his ambassadorial role with Ronald McDonald House at Westmead. He says he can relate to what the parents and sick children are going through, and feels blessed he is able - through his job - to give something back.

On the pitch, he’s happy with his “super-sub” tag, and relishes his opportunities to make an impact off the bench.

“If I said I didn’t like it (the super-sub label), I think it would be a little bit selfish. It’s my role in the team at the moment - I trust my coach, and I know he trusts me. Every time I step on the pitch, I give 100% for my club, and it’s working at the moment. Staying calm is key to preparing for your minutes on the field - whether it’s five, or thirty, I’m always prepared.” says Santalab.

Brendon Santalab is embraced after scoring. Source: News Corp Australia

It may just be the ultimate triumph over adversity if Santalab were to go on and win a championship medal at the end of the season. After what he - and his family - went through all those years ago, it would certainly seem like a just reward.

“The medal would go straight home to my parents, and they can put it on whatever wall they like, and treasure it forever. It was disappointing losing the Grand Final in Brisbane (in 2014), so it would be very special to be able to hand the medal to mum & dad,” says Santalab.