Australia Cup: Kobe Kemp scores stunning bicycle kick for South Hobart
South Hobart might have gone down in the Australia Cup but Kobe Kemp has gone viral after scoring one of the greatest goals seen in the competition. WATCH IT HERE.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
South Hobart might have gone down in defeat but the Tasmanian club has provided one of the great highlights of this year’s competition.
Kobe Kemp scored one of the greatest goals in the history of the national soccer competition with a bicycle kick to open the scoring in the 28th minute against Victorian giants South Melbourne on Wednesday night.
With the ball floated up from a corner, Kemp was able to find space without an opponent before leaping into the air with his back to goal and striking truly into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations as the Tasmanian side took an unlikely lead before eventually going down 2-1.
Kobe Kemp that is a STUNNER 😱@SouthHobartFC take the lead with an overhead kick from their star midfielder!
— Hahn Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) July 23, 2025
🎥: Paramount+#AustraliaCup#MagicOfTheCuppic.twitter.com/WO0MTFbYxE
Unfortunately for the home side, Andy Brennan, who was facing his former team, levelled the match just moments later with a sweetly struck volley which flew into the back of the net.
Brennan timed his run into the 18-yard box perfectly to meet a pinpoint cross from Jack Pope from the right.
South Melbourne gained the lead just before half-time after pouncing on a horror mistake at the back from the NPL Tasmania outfit.
A pass back towards goal was under-hit allowing Nahuel Bonada to pounce, beat his Hobart opponent, before finishing cooly.
South Hobart struck the post late in the game but were unable to find their way back into the contest late.
Wednesday night was the Tasmanian club’s first appearance in the competition’s final rounds since 2019.
The game was played at KGV Football Park due to South Hobart’s home not having lights which are required for night games.
“It’s not just about football. It’s about the people,” the club said in a statement.
“Last night’s Hahn Australia Cup match was more than just a game, it was a brilliant display of what makes South Hobart FC so special.
“We may not have played at home, but you wouldn’t have known it. From the tiniest mascots leading the team out, to the wonderful social teams staffing the gate, the dedicated board working behind the scenes, and the volunteers still packing down today this was a full club effort.
“Whilst our players were rightly the focus of attention and the incredible hours they and the coaching staff put in to prepare for a game like this cannot be overstated it truly was a whole club event.
“The countless hours of preparation, the match day magic, the pride in the badge it all came together to create something unforgettable.
“Too many people to name, but every single one played a part. Thank you for showing once again what it means to be part of South Hobart FC.”
Why South Hobart return will be ‘special’ for South Melbourne gun
South Melbourne’s Andy Brennan started cheering at pub trivia when they drew his junior club South Hobart for Wednesday’s Australia Cup clash.
It was the perfect result for the 32-year-old, who credits South Hobart for giving him “everything” to launch his career.
Brennan played for South Hobart’s seniors from 2010-12, in 2014 and also a short stint during COVID in 2020.
When he runs out onto KGV Oval for the round of 32 contest, it will be a surreal but special moment for the right winger.
“To be honest it’s the game I wanted, playing at home is incredible,” Brennan said.
“I was at trivia with a mate from my team (Jack Painter-Andrews and we were also watching the draw, and in the middle of someone reading out a question we just screamed.
“It was so good, I honestly couldn’t believe it and still now when I see South Hobart v South Melbourne it just feels so weird.
“It feels like a different game for me, it’s more the occasion that hits a bit different, To play in front of family and friends, and there’s still people at South Hobart I’m connected to. But at the same time it’s a game I really want to win.
“My dad isn’t able to travel too much, so it’s been difficult for him to come here (Melbourne) and watch me play. To come home to play in front of him and mum and the rest of the family, it’s really exciting.”
Brennan, who played five A-League games for Newcastle Jets, said South Hobart had set him up for a success as a young talent.
“(They gave me) everything, to be honest,” he said.
“Ken Morton was my coach back then, and my coach for many years leading up to playing with the senior team.
“Without Ken and South Hobart, there’s no chance I’d have done anything like what I’ve done. I pretty much owe everything to him, he was fundamental in all of that.”
South Hobart coach Max Clarke played alongside Brennan at the club for a couple of seasons around 13 years ago.
He said Brennan has made his excitement clear about getting a chance to play his junior club at home.
“He’s said it’s the best thing that’s happened to him for a long time, and has wanted to play in front of a Tassie crowd for a while,” Clarke said.
“He’s over the moon, he keeps calling me and wants to speak about it.
“Andy surpassed me pretty quickly. We trialled together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and it was more me accompanying him for moral support.
“I think I just got in his way because he just wanted to go and score.”
Clarke said they’ve pored over footage to ensure they’re ready for the threat the sharp right winger provides.
“He’s really good with one-on-ones, and is pretty explosive,” Clarke said.
“We’ve worded up our left back and we’ve gone through a lot of footage of him. We’re feeling pretty confident we can manage him, hopefully the occasion gets the better of him and he gets too excited.”
South Hobart (14 wins, three draw) remain unbeaten in NPL Tasmania after a 2-2 draw with Devonport on Saturday, and face fourth-placed Kingborough this Saturday.
It meant Clarke made a handful of changes to the team which faced the Strikers to ensure the squad is ready for Wednesday’s clash.
“We rested a couple of people and started a different no.9, with good depth we were able to make those changes and still challenge Devonport,” Clarke said.
“It’s about creating a sense of belief now, everyone’s been talking it up as a David v Goliath because it’s a big Melbourne team coming to Hobart.
“But I think we’re the only NPL team in the country who haven’t lost a game. It’s the right time for us (for this challenge), at the moment the feeling in the group is super confident.
“We like to think we can push anyone on our day. There’s a good energy in the group we can push them.
“It’s probably about surviving that first 15-20 minutes when everyone’s excited and after we get through that block we can play a bit more.
“Our goal for first 15 is to make it as hostile and stop-start as possible, so they can’t settle and make it difficult for them to get on the ball.
“We’ll be aggressive, the first few tackles we’ll be flying in to try and unsettle them in a new environment.
Wednesday’s game kicks off at KGV Stadium at 7.30pm.
Watch replays: Hawks soar into TNL grand finals
Northern Hawks have proven form is temporary and class is permanent, clawing their way into the Tasmanian Netball League grand final. Watch the REPLAYS of the prelim finals.
Replays: Tasmania Devils v GWV Rebels, Coates League
A torrential downpour has greeted the Tassie Devils on their road trip to Ballarat and from there things have are only deteriorated against Greater Western Victoria Rebels. Watch both REPLAYS.