Were you also left slightly confused when Dimi Petratos pointed to his neck after his splendid late consolation goal in Newcastle’s 2-1 opening day defeat to Wellington Phoenix?
The Jets star revealed on Instagram that the celebration was a gesture to teammate Johnny Koutroumbis, who was confirmed to have been diagnosed with stage one thyroid cancer last week.
The 20-year-old will put his career in the Hunter Valley on hold while he deals with the illness and underwent surgery on Monday to remove the thyroid gland.
Chances are there could be many more celebrations in his honour this season following Petratos’ stunner against the Phoenix.
Newcastle assistant pleased despite loss
The Jets might’ve shipped two in their Hyundai A-League opener against Wellington on Sunday, but assistant coach Clayton Zane liked what he saw.
Zane said it was a strong beginning to the new season for last year’s Grand Finalists, who were pipped 2-1 in their Round 1 clash.
“I think it was a solid defensive display first and foremost,” he told media.
“We felt really comfortable at the back – the own goal obviously set us back a little bit but that platform that the back four set up for us, we’re very happy with that.
“Going forward I think that the way that we finished the game, that action for the goal showed glimpses of what we could do last year and overall we thought it was a consistent display across all three lines of defence midfield and attack.”
Clayton Zane talks the many positives from Round 1, and the mindset we'll take into our second week on the road ✈️ #MadeOfNewcastle pic.twitter.com/Pdu68DvMbd
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) October 23, 2018
Sydney star counting down Derby moments
The Sydney Derby will take centre stage this weekend as both Sydney FC and the Wanderers prepare to face off on Saturday evening.
And in the build up to the big match, Sky Blues’ fullback Rhyan Grant is recalling his five favourite derby moments.
The 27-year-old firstly named the inaugural Derby that took place back in 2012 in Parramatta as one that will live long in the memory.
“It was [Alessandro] Del Piero’s first season there, he took the penalty and missed but got the follow up so that was obviously a good thing to remember,” he told Sydney FC’s official website.
“The fans went pretty crazy on both ends. It was just one of those games to kick off a derby in the A-League… it was freakish, and good to be a part of.”
Grant also said the team’s 4-0 win over the Wanderers at ANZ Stadium in 2016 was another fond moment.
Make sure you stay tuned to Sydney FC’s official Twitter account as Grant reveals his other three favourite moments.
? | We caught up with Sky Blue @RhyanGrant to get his five favourite #SydneyDerby moments!
Here's Rhyan's first favourite moment, what's yours? Stay tuned for more moments throughout Derby week…#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/nAxxZxn2L4
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 22, 2018
Brisbane Roar’s newest member
The www.aleague.com team would like to congratulate Roar attacker Tobias Mikkelsen on the birth his new baby girl!
Congratulations to the Mikkelsen family & welcome to the #BRFC family! #RoarAsOne
? Instagram: @tobiasmikkelsen11 pic.twitter.com/4WffT3qFPP
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) October 23, 2018
