SA-born Newcastle Jets Riley McGree, Johnny Koutroumbis set for A-League grand final

HE MAY not have scored the wonder goal that sent Newcastle to the A-League grand final and went viral across the globe. But the Jets’ other SA-born young gun, Johnny Koutroumbis, hopes to play his part in Saturday’s title decider.

SA-born Newcastle youngster Johnny Koutroumbis hopes to line-up for the Jets in the A-League grand final. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

HE MAY not have scored the wonder goal that sent Newcastle to the A-League grand final and went viral across the globe.

But the Jets’ other South Australian young gun, Johnny Koutroumbis, hoped both he and Riley McGree would have parts to play in Saturday’s title decider against Melbourne Victory.

Koutroumbis was on the pitch last week when McGree’s sublime scorpion kick inspired Newcastle to semi-final success over Melbourne City and stunned world soccer.

And the utility has heard plenty about the miracle strike since, given the former Adelaide United youth teammates share a house in the Hunter.

“It’s one of the best goals I’ve ever witnessed as a footballer,” Koutroumbis, 20, said,

“It was an unbelievable goal and an unbelievable feeling for us to get the equaliser.

“He (McGree) is a very humble person and it didn’t really get to him that much.

“But to be fair if you scored a goal like that, you would want to soak it all in.

“I know I would love to score a goal like that.”

Johnny Koutroumbis has caught the eye with his mature performances for Newcastle Jets over the past two A-League seasons. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

McGree shot to overnight fame thanks to his moment of genius, which has attracted more than seven million views online and exploded across international social media channels.

Koutroumbis has had a meteoric rise of his own in recent times, since swapping part-time work as a kitchen hand for life as a professional footballer.

Less than two years ago, he was an unheralded teenager plying his trade in the National Premier Leagues SA while dreaming of a shot at the big time.

Now Koutroumbis aimed to help Newcastle claim its second A-League championship at a sold out McDonald Jones Stadium.

“It’s crazy that things could change so much,” the former Henley High student said.

“Being a youngster it’s a really great privilege, especially in my second season in the A-League, to play in a grand final.

“The atmosphere at the semi-final was unbelievable and it was hard to hear myself think out there.

“I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like with another 12,000 people there.

“When I think about it, it gives me goose bumps.”

Koutroumbis got his break as a 15-year-old first team debutant for West Adelaide, the ex-National Soccer League giant he spent his entire junior career at and attributed his progress to.

His mature performances earned him a youth team contract with Adelaide United.

But Koutroumbis was dividing his time between playing for the young Reds and working at the club’s Castle Tavern, before Newcastle signed him as an injury replacement in late 2016.

“The first year here it was enjoyable for some parts, but unfortunately we didn’t have the best season,” said Koutroumbis, part of the Jets’ team which finished bottom last summer.

“But I said to myself, ‘if I work hard and do all the right things, I can maybe jag myself another contract for next season’.

“I guess hard work pays off.”

The athletic youngster managed 22 appearances in his first A-League campaign, impressing with his versatility at centre back, left back, right back and defensive midfield.

Koutroumbis’ promising displays were rewarded with a new two-year deal last season.

He was joined by a familiar face at the club in January, when McGree arrived on loan from Belgian side Club Brugge.

“I see his face too much now because I live with him,” Koutroumbis joked.

“But he’s a good bloke and we got along back in Adelaide, so we’re even closer now.

“It’s good to be playing with someone I used to play with.

“He’s definitely developed as a player.

“He’s been over in Europe and he’s learned a lot of new things.”

McGree, 19, has played a crucial role in the Jets’ resurrection under coach Ernie Merrick, scoring four goals in 11 games in the run-in to help the club finish the regular season second.

Koutroumbis has also shone. He featured in 10 of Newcastle’s opening 16 matches this campaign and found the net twice.

But he initially struggled to regain his place in a winning team, after being sidelined with a hip flexor injury.

SA teenager Riley McGree has played a major role in Newcastle Jets’ run to the A-League grand final. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

“I’ve learned a lot of things on and off the pitch,” said Koutroumbis, who has bounced back to start the Jets’ past two fixtures.

“But I feel like I’ve developed in a good way as a player.

“Ernie coming in has brought his experience and it feels great to be part of a winning side.

“I’m on top of the world at the moment.”

Koutroumbis will be reunited with 10 family members and his girlfriend when they fly in from Adelaide for the grand final.

He said sharing a title triumph with his loved ones would cap a fairytale introduction to top flight football.

“It would be a dream come true if it does happen.

“Being away from family and friends is tough ... so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of my family, because I haven’t really done that much as a professional.

“Just to see their faces after the game will be a great feeling.”