Sydney FC teenager Joel King goes from fan to A-League champion
He was the youngest player on the field but Joel King has been dreaming of being part of Sydney FC’s success probably longer than another else in the A-League season decider.
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From the time he first pulled on a Sydney FC jersey as an eight-year-old fan Joel Kings has been dreaming of being an A-League champion.
On Monday he woke up as one.
The 19-year-old played the entire game for Sydney FC as they became the most successful football club in A-League history with their fifth crown with a 1-0 victory over Melbourne City at Bankwest Stadium.
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The feat surpassed the tally of four titles won by Sydney City, South Melbourne, Marconi Stallions and Melbourne Victory.
King, who lives at Wentworth Point but grew up playing football in Shellharbour, said he was so in the moment he actually didn’t know what to do when the final whistle was blown and he became part of history on Sunday night.
“I just started screaming. I didn’t really know what to do. I just stood there then turned and hugged Wilko,’’ he said of Sydney FC captain Alex Wilkinson, now the first player in Australian history to win five premierships.
“It was pretty surreal. I’m so stoked. Very happy.’’’
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King’s coach Steve Corica is now only the second coach in A-League history to win successive championship crowns.
“To have won the most number of championships in Australian football history, and to win back to back titles, is an unbelievable achievement and one I am very proud to have played a part in,’’ Corica said on Monday.