Brisbane Roar hero Erik Paartalu says a Matt McKay speech at the turnaround of extra-time inspired their amazing grand final triumph yesterday.
Paartalu admits he had all but given up hope with Central Coast Mariners 2-0 up in extra-time. But after Henrique's effort, the former Greenock Morton midfielder struck with the final touch of the 120 minutes to send the A-League GF into a penalty shootout.
"I was basically resigned to the fact the Mariners had won. I just thought it's not our day," Paartalu admitted.
"I had given up. But Matty McKay came out and gave a great speech and we all responded."
McKay shrugged when asked about his inspirational words: "No one can tell me that you can't score two goals in 15 minutes of football.
"I told them that and they believed ... and it happened."
