Every day this week, commentator Simon Hill looks at some of the key grand final performances over the years… and who could be centre stage this year. Big games require big performances from big players – especially those in goal.
Big games require big performances from big players. Normally, such players are experienced campaigners, for whom the showpiece occasion holds no fears.
Simon Hill now looks back on four goalkeepers from Grand Finals past, who put in big shifts on the big day.
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1993/1994 – ROBERT ZABICA (Melbourne Knights v Adelaide City)
A tough Grand Final, edged by City, thanks to Damian Mori’s 68th minute goal – but Robert Zabica, arguably the top goalkeeper in the NSL at the time, played his part, making some crucial stops to keep out the likes of Mark Viduka, Andrew Marth and Josip Biskic.
This was Zabica’s (and Adelaide City’s) third consecutive Grand Final appearance, and the only goal he conceded in those three finals was an Andy Harper penalty, which won the game for Marconi in 1993.
Perth-born Zabica was also a part of the Socceroos squad in their bid for the 1994 World Cup Finals, and was famously sent off after 17 minutes in the play-off against Canada – allowing a young Mark Schwarzer to come on and grab the headlines in the penalty shootout that followed.
1999/200 – LES POGLIACOMI (Perth Glory v Wollongong Wolves)
It might seem strange to hail a goalkeeper in a Grand Final during which he was beaten three times, but Les Pogliacomi’s heroics for the Wolves would come during the penalty shootout, which followed after the Wolves had staged an epic comeback from 3-0 down.
His first contribution to the shootout was to score past his opposite number, Jason Petkovic. Then, after Matt Horsley had placed his spot kick wide, Pogliacomi simply had to save from Edgar Aldrighi Junior. He did, plunging to his right, to leave the Brazilian crestfallen.
Dino Mennillo then missed again for the Wolves, meaning the pressure was back on – but Pogliacomi again guessed right to deny Alistair Edwards. A third save was to follow from sub James Afkos to give Wolves the unlikeliest of victories. Pogliacomi went on to have a long career in England with Oldham Athletic and Blackpool, and he probably never has to buy a drink when he returns to Wollongong.
READ: Paul Reid reflects on Wollongong’s stunning Grand Final victory over Perth
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2010/2011 – MICHAEL THEOKLITOS (Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners)
In a similar vein, Michael Theoklitos stood up when it mattered for Brisbane Roar, after they had mounted a scarcely believable comeback from 2-0 down in extra time.
With the scores locked at 2-2 in the shootout, Theoklitos plunged brilliantly to his left to palm away Daniel McBreen’s spot kick.
Then, after Matt McKay had rammed home Roar’s advantage, he went the other way to beat out Pedj Bojic’s effort. Henrique finished the job off, and Theo (as he later became) had won a third championship. He would go on to win two more – an A-League record.
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2017/2018 – LAWRENCE THOMAS (Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory)
If ever there was an example of “putting your body on the line” for the cause, then Lawrence Thomas was it in 2018. A scrappy final made famous by the failure of VAR at the crucial moment ahead of the deciding goal from Kosta Barbarouses (with a touch off John Koutroumbis), Thomas put in a remarkable display, making save after save.
His battle with Roy O’Donovan started as early as the 16th minute, when he miraculously pawed away a goal-bound effort from the Irishman. He then produced a similar stop to deny Riley McGree.
In stoppage time with the Jets desperate for an equaliser, O’Donovan strained every sinew as he tried to connect with a delivery into the box – but only succeeded in collecting Thomas square in the jaw, as the goalkeeper came out bravely to gather. The Victory custodian ended the game bruised, bandaged and looking like an Egyptian mummy – but with his winners, and Joe Marston medals, intact.
And who’ll step up in 2020? Tom Glover has had a very consistent season, and he may be kept busy trying to contain the likes of Bobo, Le Fondre, Ninkovic etc.
A good showing could book his spot as the Olyroos number one for Tokyo – and he is now more than experienced enough to deal with this sort of showpiece occasion.
A-League Grand Final – Match Details
Melbourne City v Sydney FC
Sunday, June 27 2021
Venue: AAMI Park
Kick-off: 5.05pm AEST
Match Centre
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