The legend of Lindenow footballer Justin Morgan has increased tenfold over the past few days.
The talented Morgan has risen to local fame in recent years as the wicketkeeper for the Australian deaf cricket side, playing in last year’s Ashes series.
However, it was his skills/antics last Saturday at Lindenow that sent Morgan into the social media stratosphere, going viral in a hilarious one-minute clip which was seen by the masses via the Mad Monday Facebook page.
There is a lot to take in over the 60-second video: Morgan, who wears a helmet and was playing just his fourth senior match for the Cats, lines up for a 45m set shot on goal against ladder leader Wy Yung in the right forward pocket, directly in front of the Lindenow clubrooms with a strong crowd gathered. He first attempts to create a bit of extra leverage by running wide of the man on the mark, only to be smothered. A Lindenow teammate gathers the loose ball, handballs back to an under pressure Morgan who first fumbles before regathering the ball, only to be driven hard into the turf to earn a free kick. He then slowly trudges back to take another set shot, this time some 5-10 metres closer to goal. Breathing heavily from the previous play, Morgan places the ball on the turf and puts his hands on his knees as a spectator yells “straight through the middle mate”. After gathering himself, Morgan starts his second set shot attempt, only to be smothered again!
As of yesterday morning, the video had been viewed almost one million times, attracting more than 8000 likes, 4000 comments and 900 shares.
The affable Morgan, who said “I don’t take myself too seriously”, is taking it in his stride, admitting he’s thriving on the attention.
IMAGE: Lindenow Football Netball Club senior coach, Justin Gould, with Cats cult hero Justin Morgan, who has gone viral on social media following a double attempt at goal during last Saturday’s round 13 East Gippsland football clash with Wy Yung. (PS)
