The sight of Lawrence Thomas’ head covered in bloodstained bandages is one of the most enduring images from the Hyundai A-League 2018 Grand Final.
Thomas put in a man-of-the-match display in Melbourne Victory’s 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets last year and copped a sickening blow to the head after a clash with Roy O’Donovan late in the decider.
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It left the Victory shot stopper, 27, looking more like a wartime soldier than a footballer.
And that incredible image has been immortalised by Sydney-based illustrator Damien Quinn.
Quinn, originally from Ireland, sent his work of art to the Victory custodian and was delighted to see Thomas share it with his followers on his Instagram account.
Thanks to @gomvfc and @Socceroos goalkeeper @lawrencet92 for sharing this on his instagram account earlier. I was delighted to be able to send this illustration to the man himself!
Very cool seeing professional footballers with your work!#gomvfc #melbournevictory pic.twitter.com/HYvyMvV5M8
— Damien Quinn 🎨 (@damiendraws) May 27, 2019
Neville finally ties the knot
After postponing the original date of his wedding when he heard Tony Popovic had become the new coach of Perth Glory, defender Scott Neville is now a married man.
Neville revealed he made his fiancé Sarah shift their wedding which was originally set for Grand Final weekend this year.
It proved a wise move as Glory went all the way to the decider, but ultimately went down in a penalty shootout to Sydney FC.
Match of the day…
Many congratulations to Scott and Sarah who tied the knot earlier this week! 💕 @ALeague #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/8k6wOZ0yqu— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) May 26, 2019
While it will take some time for the WA club to get over the disappointment of losing the big dance, a letter that arrived at club offices this week certainly lifted the mood.
It was sent in by a six-year-old fan from New South Wales – Annaleigh – who declared Glory are still her team.
Little star!
A big thank you to 6-year-old NSW-based Glory fan Annaleigh for sending us such a lovely letter!
@ALeague #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/6wOw8NGqFs— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) May 27, 2019
Maclaren channels Tiger Woods
Their football commitments may be over for the season but a few Melbourne City players are still letting their competitive juices flow.
Jamie Maclaren and Harrison Delbridge teamed up against Luke Brattan and Connor Metcalfe in head-to-head mini golf at Latrobe Golf Park, which is a nine-iron’s distance away from the club’s base.
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Like many of City’s matches in the Hyundai A-League in the 2018/19 season it was a tight battle, with the Maclaren-Delbridge duo prevailing in a playoff.
https://twitter.com/MelbourneCity/status/1131854852525477889
