Roaming across half-back, Shaun Atley isn’t exactly known for his goal-kicking prowess – but the running defender kicked one of the goals of the season on Friday night.
Early in the first quarter, Atley received a handball from Brent Harvey just outside 50. He speared a pass to Drew Petrie, who missed the mark, but had the presence of mind to handball back into the path of his teammate.
Deep in the pocket and with no options in sight, North’s number 18 opted for a checkside punt, somehow curving it through the big sticks at Blundstone Arena.
After the game, Atley downplayed the moment.
“I actually missed Drewy with the kick, so I was lucky that he flicked the handball out and I was just there to go the checkside. I don’t usually do that, but it went through, so all good.”
As if the Powershop Play of the Day wasn’t enough for Atley, he has also been recognised with a nomination for the AFL’s Goal of the Year.
Vote for Atley’s goal and you could win a $200 cash prize.