Riley McGree reflects on his amazing scorpion goal that stunned the world

Riley McGree did not fully appreciate the magnitude of his scorpion goal at the time but now gives himself more credit for the moment of brilliance that was watched by millions of people around the world.

Melbourne City midfielder Riley McGree has started every game since the Round 1 derby. Picture: AAP

The magnitude of Riley McGree’s scorpion goal did not sink in until 30 minutes after the final whistle when he turned on his phone.

The notifications from text and social media messages gave him a small sample size of the millions of people who had watched his moment of brilliance from around the world.

The midfielder had been so engrossed in last season’s A-League semi-final against Melbourne City in Newcastle, he had not fully appreciated the goal.

He modestly told Fox Sports that it was a fluke and luck had played a part.

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But when he looked at the replay, McGree gave himself more credit.

“In the game I didn’t really think about (it). I didn’t think it would turn into what it did,’’ he said.

“After the game it sunk in a bit. People started saying some things and I went and looked at my phone as well and it was pretty crazy.

“Countless (beeps and messages). My phone was just going off. It was good.

“In the moment it happened and I wasn’t really sure whether it was just reaction or what. I saw the video after and I don’t think my touch is that bad (and I was) trying to get it on target, it was going in.”

Riley McGree watches his stunning strike hit the back of the net against Melbourne City last season. Picture: AAP

While McGree, 20, is now a City player, the scorpion kick was performed in a Newcastle Jets shirt — with the teams locking horns on Sunday for the first time since.

Fox Sports’ Brenton Speed nailed the commentary. “Oh my goodness. Ooooh my goodness. Have you seen a more freakish goal in A-League history? Riley McGree with a scorpion kick, into the top corner — it’s one of the most amazing things we’ve ever seen. That goal is going to go around the world, and be shown over and over again,” he said.

English commentator Martin Tyler — a familiar voice on Australian TV — was full of praise for Speed’s call.

“Brenton captured (the occasion) — that’s going to be shown forever. A commentator’s nightmare is to have something you don’t match up to and he certainly matched up to it and he can certainly be proud of that,’’ Tyler said.

“I hope that in itself — the goal and the broadcast — enhances the perception of the A-League around the world. Both were top drawer.”

McGree is now a City player. Picture: Getty Images

While McGree was pipped by Liverpool’s Mo Salah for the Puskas Award for FIFA goal of the year, the Socceroos hopeful does not want the goal to define him.

City coach Warren Joyce — a man not fond of media, marketing and awards ceremonies — dropped McGree for the Round 1 Melbourne derby but the player countered by scoring the winner off the bench, and has started every game since.

“I was probably in poor form that week training so rightly so (dropped). But I moved on and started the following week,’’ McGree said.

“In terms of media and social media, there was a bit more (attention) there but it didn’t necessarily change anything. I’m still the same player.

“I don’t think it (the goal) made me a better player, I was capable of doing that anyway. I guess just a little bit more attention and people know who I am I guess.”

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