Pirates miss out on supergoal booty

AS DAVID Neitz launched his first supergoal attempt from outside the 50-metre arc at Telstra Dome on Sunday, Parkmore Football Club held its breath.
The Melbourne forward and former Parkmore Pirate junior had the opportunity to complete a nine-point play and put his side further in front of Hawthorn.
Neitz also had the chance to put $1000, courtesy of National Australia Bank, into the Pirates’ hip pocket.
For every supergoal scored in the NAB Cup, the goal kicker’s junior club receives a sizeable cash injection.
Unfortunately, for both Melbourne and Parkmore, Neitz’s attempt sprayed wide of the goal.
Minutes later, Neitz launched another supergoal attempt from about the same position on the ground.
This time it was distance, not accuracy, that cost the Pirates another $1000.
The ball seemed set to sail over the goal umpire’s head, but was touched over the line by a diving Hawthorn defender.
Parkmore manager Mike Smyth said he couldn’t believe it.
“Gee, it would have been nice wouldn’t it?” he said.
After a troubled pre-season and with the team about to launch an assault on the Southern Football League’s Division Two competition for the first time, $2000 – even $1000 – of supergoal cash would have been handy.
Adding insult to injury, a last quarter fade-out cost the Demons the match, meaning Neitz can’t have another crack at supergoal glory.