Bairnsdale under 16 player, Wil Malady, fulfilled every footballer’s boyhood dream, kicking the winning goal for Victorian Country on the siren in the National Championship on the Gold Coast last Friday.
South Australia, unbeaten in the carnival, went into the match as warm favourites and led by five points as Malady lined up deep in the forward pocket 30 metres from goal.
Folklore will tell you that Malady’s well-weighted kick worked it’s way back beautifully for major, the goal umpiring signalling the goal as the siren sounded, culminating the action packed championship finale.
Malady was a solid contributor for Victoria in its three matches, which included victories over Victorian Metro and ultimately South Australia.
Victorian Country’s only loss in the carnival was to Western Australia.
Malady’s goal was final pillar in a remarkable comeback that saw Victorian Country come from 21 points down at three quarter time to snatch an unlikely victory.
The name Wil Malady well and truly entrenched in the name of team mates, spectators and hopefully recruiters.
IMAGE: Wil Malady (second from left) was the hero for Victorian Country in the National Under 16 Championship finale, goaling on the siren to seal victory for his team, who looked to have been done and dusted at three quarter time. (PS)
