Zac Kierpal will be looking to have more 'fun', as instructed, against Gold Coast Knights at Wolter Park tonight (7pm) after his stunning first senior goal for Jets on Wednesday.
Against Olympic's powerful defence, the 18-year-old striker beat two men in the edge of the area, held off a third by the six-yard box and fired high into the net from a tight angle.
But there were few celebrations. Zac immediately grabbed the ball and raced back to the centre circle, shaking hands briefly on the way. Jets were still trailing 2-1.
“It felt okay, scoring,” said Zac, "but we really wanted to get back and try to score another. After the game I had a bit of time to think about it.
“Royce has told me just to go out and have some fun, but if there’s a one-on-one chance, to have a go at the player.
“There was probably an easy ball out wide (at the start of the move), but once I got in the box I had to try and shoot. Royce talks about knowing where the keeper is. I just tried to beat him at the near post.”
Zac, who joined Jets in the Under 16s after playing for Grange and The Gap, has scored 17 times for our Under 18s and once for the Under 20s this season, but admits that tally could have been higher.
“I think I should have scored more,” he said, “I had a one-on-one chance at Sunshine Coast in my first game for the men’s side.
“I also had a header against Strikers (which went across goal and wide). I was a bit disappointed with that one.
Sunday September 20 was a day Zac will never forget. At Sunshine Coast Wanderers he played Under 18s and 20s, scoring for both - and was then given his senior NPL debut!
“Playing for the seniors was one of my targets this season," he said, "I thought I’d have to wait, but I was suddenly told 'you’re in the top team'."
Jets' men today face Gold Coast Knights at Wolter Park, 7pm. The Under 20s, third on the ladder, face their Knights counterparts, who are fifth at 5pm. Jets’ table-topping Under 18s face Knights, in seventh, at 3pm.
Canteen and bar open. COVID regulations apply, sign-in on arrival at the ground, use the sanitization stations and maintain social distancing.