Gold Coast Knights captain Andy Barisic says grand final win means more for club’s Croatian players

GOLD Coast Knights captain Andy Barisic says 40 years of club history have been lifted off his shoulders after his late heroics on Saturday night helped deliver the club’s first grand final triumph.

GOLD Coast Knights captain Andy Barisic says 40 years of club history have been lifted off his shoulders after his late heroics on Saturday night helped deliver the club’s first Premier League grand final triumph.

Left on the bench for the 5-1 victory over Broadbeach at the Croatian Sports Centre due to an ongoing ankle injury, Barisic’s introduction inside the final 10 minutes proved worth the wait, scoring a brilliant individual goal before converting his own penalty in injury time.

Born in Canberra to Croatian parents, the 32-year-old said he had been desperate to end the club’s wait for grand final glory as they set their sights on the 2019 NPL.

Broadbeach’s Adam Powell battles Knights midfield counterpart Max Brown. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“It was ingrained into us, obviously being our last year in the Gold Coast Premier League, that for 40 years we hadn’t managed to win one. To be able to do something that no-one has done at the club for 40 years, for me as captain and for the players, it’s something to be proud of and a great achievement,” Barisic said.

“A lot of the players that came to the club this season and players that’ve been there before, they don’t understand the (cultural) background. I’ve played at Melbourne Knights, Sydney United, all the Croatian clubs, and you know what it means, especially coming from that background.

Knights captain Andrew Barisic. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“It does mean a lot more representing your people and the fans that come (to our games) are like a family to me. For me, it means a lot to represent them as a club and as a community.

“Both my parents are from Croatia and I try and go back there every year.”

Barisic said his focus was now on getting his body right for next season’s NPL journey.

“I had surgery on (the ankle) at the end of last season and it hasn’t been good at all, and it may look like I have to have surgery on it again.

“I’ve been playing at about 50 per cent but I’m still happy with how I did. I just need to get ready now for next season and fix up what I need to do.”

GRAND MOMENTS

■ 19th minute - Shaun Robinson opens the scoring for Broadbeach after collecting a clearance from Knights ‘keeper Josh Langdon

■ 37th minute - Justyn McKay equalises for Knights, tapping in after superb lead-up work from Nicholas Panetta

■ 48th minute - failed clearance from Broadbeach keeper’ Luka Zoric leaves an open goal for Knights’ Jarrod Kyle, who slots home from 10 yards

■ 70th minute - man of the match Max Brown gives the Knights more breathing room with a third goal

■ 90th minute - Andy Barisic scores the Knights’ fourth after brilliant solo run

■ 93rd minute - Barisic is bundled over in the box and converts his own penalty