Extraordinary, staggering, genius: re-live five magic Finals Series moments

From the elation of victory and incredible goals to the devastation of defeat, there’s nothing quite like finals football to throw up a range of emotions.

And Hyundai A-League fans have been treated to so many memorable Finals Series moments since the inaugural season of the competition in 2005/06.

SEMI-FINAL 1 PREVIEW: Perth Glory v Adelaide United
SEMI-FINAL 2 PREVIEW:
 Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
HOW TO WATCH: Both of this weekend’s do-or-die Hyundai A-League Semi-Finals
LIVE BLOG: All the latest on the Hyundai A-League Semi-Finals

Ahead of this weekend’s Semi-Finals, we thought we’d look back at five magic finals moments – excluding Grand Finals – from years gone by.

And we’re giving you the chance to vote for your favourite from our five unforgettable moments below. Vote in our poll at the BOTTOM of the page!

Feel The Finals - Perth Glory v Adelaide Semi Final Thin Banner

Riley McGree – the ‘Scorpion King’!

With Newcastle Jets trailing 1-0 in the second-half of their Semi-Final against Melbourne City in 2017/18, it appeared as though they needed something extraordinary to turn things around.

And McGree promptly delivered.

Playing a one-two with Ronny Vargas on the edge of the box, the ball was slightly behind the youngster but what he produced was a moment of freakish quick-thinking and phenomenal execution.

McGree managed to flick the ball over his own head with a scorpion kick that looped over City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis and into the net, with the Jets going on to win 2-1.

The goal went right around the world, with McGree even earning a nomination for the FIFA Puskas Award.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5777232883001

Wonderful night at ‘Wanderland’

With a spot in the 2015/2016 Grand Final on the line, a massive crowd was in at Parramatta Stadium expecting to see Western Sydney Wanderers overcome Brisbane Roar to reach another the club’s third decider.

But the home fans were stunned into disbelief as a Dimitri Petratos penalty, an Andreu own goal and deflected Jamie Maclaren effort saw Brisbane 3-0 up inside 23 minutes.

Somehow, the Wanderers hit back. Romeo Castelen and Brendon Santalab scored before the break, before flying Dutchman Castelen completed a hat-trick with two goals barely 15 minutes past the restart.

Maclaren teed home his second to send the game into extra-time, where Dario Vidosic was the hero, coming off the bench to fire in a 102nd minute winner. It finished 5-4 to the Wanderers in arguably the greatest match in Hyundai A-League history.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5588589793001

Antonis’ remarkable redemption act

Melbourne Victory were just seconds away from a Hyundai A-League 2018 Grand Final berth, holding on to a shock 2-1 2017/18 Semi-Final lead over premiers Sydney FC.

But a horror moment for Victory’s Terry Antonis – a former Sky Blues star – saw the midfielder inadvertently fire Adrian Mierzejewski’s desperate cross from the by-line into his own net in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Feel The Finals - Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Semi Final Thin Banner

It left Antonis sprawled on the ground in tears as the match was forced into extra-time, and seriously dented Victory’s hopes of toppling the premiers in their own backyard.

Somehow, Antonis regrouped, recomposed and subsequently redeemed himself in incredible fashion, producing a breath-taking solo goal in the 117th-minute to send Kevin Muscat’s men into the decider.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5777762542001

Ono’s genius Semi-Final chip

Japanese legend Shinji Ono was already a hero to Western Sydney Wanderers fans for his contribution to the club’s stunning inaugural season in 2012/13.

Ono had already scored seven goals for the campaign to help the Wanderers win the premiership but his eighth and final strike of the season was easily his best.

Leading Brisbane Roar 1-0 in a Semi-Final that was on a knife-edge, Ono produced a moment that demonstrated his abundance of class and sealed his legacy as a Wanderers great.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5822664233001

Robinson’s late goal earns Victory home Grand Final

Back in the Hyundai A-League’s second season, Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United battled it out over two legs for the right to host the 2007 decider.

After a goalless draw in the first leg in Adelaide, the Reds appeared destined to earn hosting rights on away goals with scores locked at 1-1 in injury-time.

Enter James Robinson.

The little-known Liverpudlian had never scored a goal for the club and had made just one start that season but his looping header in the 92nd-minute gave Victory the 2-1 win and a home Grand Final.

It proved pivotal as the two sides met again in the big dance a fortnight later, and Archie Thompson bagged five goals in Victory’s famous 6-0 win.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5567733039001