Woombye striker Luke Alderson bags 300th league goal

Woombye Snakes striker Luke Alderson puts his goal scoring prowess down to a quirky pre-game ritual.

Woombye's Luke Alderson says his unmatched goal scoring record comes from his hunger to score and routinely brushing his teeth just before playing.

Woombye Snakes striker Luke Alderson's goal scoring prowess has reached a milestone that may never be beaten.

Alderson's 300th at the weekend against Maroochydore came from just 245 games at a remarkable scoring rate of 1.2 goals per game.

His incredible tally does not include finals matches or FFA Cup games.

The 31-year-old, nicknamed the Seagull, said his hunger for goals and routinely brushing his teeth on game day were the secrets to his success.

"I brush my teeth before every game. I don't know why," Alderson said with a laugh.

"Just before I leave the house. I don't know whether it's a superstition, but I don't know of anyone else who does it."

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Alderson, who does not take penalties, said any good striker needed to be two-footed and powerful in the air.

He said that and mental toughness were key attributes.

"I get a lot of critics, a lot of snarky remarks, but I actually think I'm my biggest critic," Alderson said.

"I might get three but if I miss one it really arks me up.

"Attitude and mindset is a big part."

Luke Alderson lines up for the Snakes in 2013.

Alderson reserved praise for the likes of teammates Josh Walton, Craig Hawkins and Josh Sansucie who created chances for him.

"I've had some great teammates and coaches over the years," he said.

"I know you'll get a lot of goals simply by following it in and being in the right place at the right time."

Woombye Snakes president Andy Kinden revealed why Alderson was affectionately nicknamed the Seagull.

"The boys call him the Seagull cause he's always cleaning up the scraps," Kinden laughed.

"He doesn't take penalties, mostly open play from getting into the right spots.

"I can't imagine anyone else has or will beat his record, it's remarkable."

Kinden said Alderson was Woombye through and through and had turned down multiple advances from the Sunshine Coast Fire and Wanderers to play at state level.

"He's won nine golden boot awards in 13 seasons," Kinden said.

"He's a top bloke too, he's always coming down to help, talks to the juniors and the one to organise the end of season activities.

"I'm biased because I've known him for so long, but I doubt that record will ever be broken."

Luke Alderson plays against Caloundra. Picture: File

Sunshine Coast Football Association president Chris Dunk said Alderson's achievement was unmatched.

"Not on the Coast, no, no one comes in cooee of him," Dunk said.

"Scott Rocker comes to mind but he had time away in Brisbane.

"Luke is definitely miles in front and it's a fantastic achievement for him. And for him to remain loyal to Woombye is brilliant."

Alderson has spent the past two and a half years with niggling injuries but said he was now injury free.

While it's not his main focus he has set his sights on 400 goals.

"I've always said I'd rather win another grand final than get the golden boot, it's not something I push myself towards," he said.

"But I do think it will be something to look back on when I'm finished."

Originally published as Woombye striker Luke Alderson bags 300th league goal