Article by Macarthur Bulls Junior Reporter, Juliet SANTUCCI
From the wild weather to the festive fans, our Friday Christmas match between Macarthur FC and Brisbane Roar at home did not disappoint!
I got to interview excited fans as they walked through the turnstiles. I asked them what their score predictions were and I got 2-0, 3-1 and 1-0. I also got the chance to ask fans who their favourite players were and they consisted of Big Friendly Giant (BFG) Harry Sawyer, “the flash” Bernardo and lifesaver goalie Filip Kurto as the top 3 favourites.
Following a sweltering summer day with temperatures reaching above 40 degrees, dark grey clouds gradually rolled in and light rainfall began. As the wind picked up, thunder and lightning rumbled nearby. Consequently, officials postponed the match due to the lightning risk.
The first half had small bursts of energy initially, but fizzled out very quickly due to the heat. Brisbane Roar was the more dominant team to watch in the first half. Only one chance to score at goal, but the score remained at 0-0.
The half time show allowed for some fun and outgoing festive outfits to feature on the midfield pitch. Everyone was dressed up and ready to strut their stuff! The competition was fierce; and the audience got to decide which outfit they liked best from Grimace to Santa, crazy Elves and Christmas crackers; to the giant koala and reindeers. The loudest cheers however went to Christmas themed Deadpool which had an impressive crowd cheering him on loudly from the stands.
Second half then started, and within a few minutes Brisbane Roar scores their first goal. As the match progressed with chances at goal from both sides, the competition became more intense, and the pressure started building for Macarthur to score. Halfway through the second half, Brisbane then creates an error in the box when Bernardo takes a fall forced by a Brisbane player, which gave Macarthur their first chance at penalty. Harry Sawyer took the penalty and scored our first goal. 1-1, its neck and neck now!
The match continued with close chances at goal, and then Brisbane make another crucial error, handing another penalty chance to Macarthur as Harry Sawyer goes down from an aggressive shirt-pulling tackle within the penalty box… Harry once again takes a courageous penalty kick for the second time and aims right at goal -which scores our second! The game ends and the bulls win 2-1; it was the most exciting and thrilling second half – you’re our hero Harry!
Post match I got to go on the pitch and interview one player it was a tough decision but after those two awesome goals I of course had to interview Harry. I asked him how he stays calm as he prepares for penalties. He said to control his heart rate and calm his breathing and pick a side and kick!
I was also lucky enough to briefly interview 2 other players, Matt Jurman and Bernardo. I asked Matt what sports he liked playing when he was younger and he liked playing cricket and basketball because he was good at both. I also asked Bernardo which sport he liked to play other than soccer and he said tennis as he had speed and enjoyed running.
At the post-match press conference; I asked Macarthur FC coach Mile Sterjovski what qualities he looks for in a great player? Mile said he looks for a good personality and good work ethic and overall consistency, as well as being a good person and be skilled in soccer.
I loved interviewing the fans, players and coach of the Macarthur Bulls team. I also enjoyed being behind the scenes of what happens before, during and after the game. It was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to watching the games with more of a journalist eye. I loved being a junior news reporter for the bulls and cannot wait for my next game with you. I wish the Bulls all the very best in this new season.
Merry Christmas to you all!
