It is not just the two sublime strikes scored by Brisbane Roar last night against the Central Coast Mariners that are gaining interest, but the way the team celebrated Ivan Franjic’s second half scorcher is also making headlines.
Following Franjic-s 61st minute goal that secured the win for home side, the Roar commemorated the strike in a way sure to be etched in the memories of the Brisbane faithful.
The defender, along with his captain Matt McKay and big striker Reinaldo acted as a kayak along the edge of the pitch with midfielder Massimo Murdocca using the corner flag as a paddle.
The goal celebration has sparked international interest, appearing on Brazilian television as well as Australia-s own Today show, and heaping pressure on former Qantas Socceroo and current Fox Sports presenter Mark Bosnich to shave his head after a promise earlier in the season.
Referring to a celebration from Icelandic football team Stjarnan FC, Bosnich agreed to the hair cut on Fox Sports if a Hyundai A-League team celebrated a goal in a way worthy of rivalling the Icelandic celebration made famous on football shows and YouTube.
His first goal in Brisbane Roar colours after 23 appearances, Franjic said the strike, and the whole overall team performance against the Central Coast Mariners, was worthy of the team-s post-goal antics.
“It was a good goal to get off the mark, but the main thing was that we got the three points and kept another clean sheet,” the 23-year-old said.
“I hit the sweet spot and luckily enough, it went in.”
Murdocca, the “paddler” on the three-man kayak, explained how the celebration came about.
“A couple of days before the game we were having a laugh in the gym, trying to figure out ways we could do a celebration,” he said.
“I think we-ve been playing well this year and we thought it would be a good idea to do something.
“That was probably one of the better ones, that-s why that was the first one but we-ll probably work on it but I think it will be important to concentrate on games for the time being.”
The hardworking midfielder admitted the team had to pick the right moment for the celebration, otherwise coach Ange Postecoglou would not have been too pleased.
“The gaffer had no clue about the celebration so if we-d done it after the first goal and lost the game, we would have been in big trouble that-s for sure,” he said.
“He-s pretty quiet after the game, but we-ll probably hear about it during the week.
“I think he-s just worried about the performance, the celebrations – they-re up to us.”
Murdocca said the celebration was indicative of the unity and comradery within the Brisbane Roar ranks.
“We-re all in it together, even the boys that are out of the squad,” he said.
“We-re all happy for one another and no one is bitter.
“It-s a perfect squad at the moment, Ange has been very clever with the players he-s brought into the squad and we-re all gelling well together.”
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