Strap in, folks. Courtesy of Newcastle Jets midfielder Riley McGree, we may have seen “the greatest goal in A-League history”.
“Greatest goal” is a term that is thrown around here and there in the A-League, but it’d be hard to argue that point against McGree’s effort against Melbourne City.
Consider the stage – at home in front of adoring fans searching for their club’s second-ever grand final appearance.
Consider the opponent – a thirsty City side that hadn’t lost to Newcastle in three league attempts this season.
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Consider the situation – the Jets were already behind on the scoreboard thanks to a Nikolai Topor-Stanley own goal.
Up stepped McGree with one of the most outrageous goals you will ever see.
Watch McGree’s goal in the player below.
McGree nailed a scorpion kick – at full pace – into the top right corner.
What’s more, it was fully intentional – we think.
Upon watching the replay I actually think I meant that…
Great result by the boys, bring on the grand final next week.— Riley McGree (@McgreeRiley) April 27, 2018
Duly, social media went bananas.
Riley McGree #IndividualBrilliance
— Ned Zelic (@NedZelic) April 27, 2018
57’ | 1 – 1 | We’re not even sure how that went in! McGree has somehow backheeled it over a helpless Bouzanis to draw us level! #NEWvMCY
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) April 27, 2018
Until 2 minutes ago, I'd never heard of Riley McGree…
Then I saw this. You what mate?! (Via @Nakiman)pic.twitter.com/6KWgPLJmdu
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) April 27, 2018
Just when you thought you’d seen everything in the great game!
Stunning scorpion kick from Riley McGree ?
The best ever? ?
Credit ? @btsportfootball pic.twitter.com/vzcwBSZSPI
— Matt Holt Tips (@MattHoltTips) April 27, 2018
What in the world!!!! What a goal Riley McGree! One of the best ever!
— Tara Rushton (@TaraRushton) April 27, 2018
Why are they still playing? Just give Riley McGree the toilet seat, we have peaked #NEWvMCY
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) April 27, 2018
how did mcgree do that
— Rudi (@RudiEdsall) April 27, 2018
REMEMBER THE NAME RILEY MCGREE #NEWvMCY
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) April 27, 2018
Hahahaha I just can’t stop watching the Mcgree goal .. analysing it .. just Brilliant & what a bit of marketing for the @ALeague ⚽️????
— Shane Smeltz (@ShaneSmeltz) April 27, 2018
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!!
Riley McGree has just scored one of the GREATEST goals you'll ever see for Newcastle Jets. The Puskas Award is decided already! ???https://t.co/2QObyPPAF8 pic.twitter.com/BJAElzTsAB
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 27, 2018
Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Riley McGree all winners of FIFA’s Puskas award for Goal Of The Year.
— Murray Shaw (@MurrayShaw1) April 27, 2018
That’s got to be the best goal I’ve seen in a-league history #NEWvMCY
— Archie Thompson (@10Archie) April 27, 2018
The 19-year-old was in the thick of it afterwards, and in the 75th minute, worked hard to win the ball back in midfield.
The ball ended up with Dimitri Petratos, who sent it to Joe Champness who then centred a scything cross.
Josh Hoffman capitalised to take the Jets to a 2-1 lead, a lead they held to the final whistle.
Newcastle will play the winner of the Sydney FC-Melbourne Victory clash in next week’s grand final.