Patricio Rodriguez has become an instant fan favourite at the Newcastle Jets after scoring on debut in the F3 Derby win over Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday night.
The Argentine playmaker capped his eye-catching 35-minute cameo with the match-sealer in stoppage-time with an intercept and cool finish past Ben Kennedy.
It was a Hyundai A-League debut Rodriguez is sure to remember for some time.
We look back at some other memorable debuts in the competition’s history.
TIM CAHILL
All eyes were on the Caltex Socceroos legend for his first league outing in Australia for two decades in City’s Melbourne Derby against Victory.
And more than 43,000 fans at Etihad Stadium were treated to something special from Cahill, who took less than half an hour to make an impact.
Seizing on a loose ball, the Socceroo struck a half-volley that whistled past Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas from 35 metres out into the top corner of the net.
MILTON RODRIGUEZ
After Visa issues prolonged his Hyundai A-League debut until round four of the 2006/07 Season, Rodriguez made up for lost time in stunning fashion off the bench.
Trailing 2-0 against champions Sydney FC, Rodriguez bagged both goals as the Jets came back to salvage a draw.
His first came when he lashed home a pinpoint pass from Nicky Carle in first-half injury time before he blasted one past Clint Bolton just after the hour mark.
NOEL SPENCER
Sure, it was the very first round of the Hyundai A-League back in the inaugural season but Spencer’s strike was too good to ignore.
On the competition’s opening night, the Mariners midfielder hit a screamer from 35 yards out to hand his side a 1-0 win away to Perth Glory.
Still to this day it remains one of the best goals ever seen in the Hyundai A-League.
DAVID VILLA
The Spanish World Cup winner only played four games in the Hyundai A-League but made provided a major highlight in his first outing with Melbourne City in the 2014/15 Season.
Villa came off the bench and showed his class and composure by stroking home a 63rd minute equaliser after good lead-up play from Damien Duff.
His goal earned City a 1-1 draw against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
