"TOP TEN PHOENIX GOALS" 2001 - 2007 BY STEPHEN SUTTIE This page is dedicated to the Top 10 strikes in Phoenix history. Obviously, debate will rage on for years to come as to whose goal was the best, or who missed out on the list. The goals are as at 01/01/07, and are only on the quality of a strike itself, nothing to do with the score in the game, the meaning or the "team" goals.
	NUMBER 10:  DAVID RODGERS V’s Balcatta May 2003 This was a belter of a free kick, and the first of which that almost became bread and butter for Rodgers in 2003 & 2004. The free kick might be remembered more fondly had it not been late in a match that Phoenix already led 4-0, but this is a solid entrance at Number 10. Phoenix had earned a free kick fully 30 yards out from goal kicking towards the South end of the pitch. All the normal things happened-Balcatta set the wall, players got ready to follow it in...Rodgers blasted this free kick over the wall and under the cross bar to score a spectacular goal, with the ball nestling in the top corner, rounding off his first hat trick for the club and sealing a wonderful day for Phoenix. Rodgers would score two more free kicks from good range in 2003, but neither one was nearly as good as this one.
	NUMBER 9:  Savo Garic vs Southside June 2001 Garic's left foot has its own legends from the past. This was his best strike for Phoenix and one of the best of the year. It was a crunch match for Phoenix who were struggling at the wrong end of the table and so too were Southside. It was late in the first half and 0-0 when a ball was played long to Garic, who chested down then unleashed a half volley into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box, giving the 'keeper no chance. Garic would add another goal in the second half for Phoenix to storm home 5-1 and set their season alight.
	NUMBER 8: James Bergin vs Balcatta April 2004 Bergin would endlessly practice his scissor kicks in between matches and half time breaks. People would cross a ball at waiste height and he would do his Karate move and try to volley into the net. This particular day, the years of practice paid off. Away at Balcatta and trailing 1-0 deep in the second half, the ball floated across the top of the box and Bergin used his scissor kick to blast the ball past the keeper and produce a spectacular equaliser. It was an up and down day, though, for Bergin, who was later sent off along with Greg Hayes and Phoenix slumped to their first loss of the season, and fell off the top of the ladder.
Stephen Suttie	NUMBER 7: Stephen Suttie vs Ashfield May 2003 This was the week after Rodgers' Number 10 strike, with Phoenix starting to string some form together leading into their trip to Ashfield. Phoenix took the early lead, scoring in the opening minute before Ashfield equalised to leave the score 1-1 just before half time. Bergin played in a cross which was cleared to a couple of yards outside the box, where Suttie was waiting and hit a spectacular first time volley into the net via the underside of the crossbar. Though Phoenix led 2-1, Ashfield eventually over ran them in the second half to win 3-2.
	NUMBER 6: James Bergin vs Balcatta May 2005 Sometimes players enjoy torturing the same team more than once. Bergin is already listed in the Top 10 for another strike against Balcatta, but this was his best. It was a terrible day with howling wind and heavy rain, and very early in the 2nd half Balcatta led 1-0. Bergin had missed an excellent chance at the end of the 1st half, but when he got this chance he made no mistake. He was released forward and realising he would be shut down soon, shot with his 2nd touch, blasting the ball into the top corner from 20yards despite going straight into the wind and rain. Sadly, Phoenix went on to lose 5-2 on the day, souring the memorable goal a little bit.
	NUMBER 5: Pat Roberts vs Gosnells City April 2005 This was a key match for Phoenix after a poor start for the season, and it turned out to be a season defining win. Phoenix started this match at a blistering pace realising the importance of the match, and took the lead early on through this stunner. A corner was half cleared to the edge of the box and Roberts took one touch to control and on the bounce from the 18 yard box blasted his shot off the crossbar and it bounced just over the line. At first there was debate about the goal and whether it had crossed the line, but Phoenix celebrated as the linesman awarded the goal. Roberts went on to become just the third Phoenix player in history to score a hat trick in a half, but ironically never scored again for Phoenix.
	NUMBER 4: Greg Hayes vs Dianella May 2004 The first of Hayes' entries, and the last goal he scored in open play, nearly 3 years ago. Phoenix led 1-0 away to Dianella, when a cross was pulled back too far and ran along the top of the box. Hayes charged in from 20metres back and blasted an unstoppable shot into the top corner, with the 'keeper not even moving, or even barely having time to move. The video footage preserves the goal well, though the day was soured when Phoenix conceded 2 goals in the last two minutes to draw 2-2. Fondly remembered by all who witnessed the goal.
	NUMBER 3: Stephen Suttie vs Ashfield September 2003 They say lightning never strikes twice, but in this instance, similar to Bergin vs Balcatta, it did. Phoenix were well on their way to setting a club record most consecutive losses, having lost their last 5, which followed a record 5 wins in a row. It was 2-1 to Phoenix just before half time when Cantoni's throw in was inside Sutties path. He shielded the ball  on the bounce from the defender, and on the balls second bounce and Sutties first touch, blasted his shot into the top corner from 20yards, leaving the keeper with no chance. Despite a 3-1 lead at half time, Ashfield over ran Phoenix to win 4-3 and make it 6 losses in a row for Phoenix.
	NUMBER 2: Chris Gaynor vs Leeming Strikers July 2002 One could make a strong argument for this to be number 1, but reasons will be given tomorrow. The game was on the line, 1-1 with 15mins to go. Gaynor was enjoying a rare midfield berth, away from his usual sweeper role. The ball dropped to him all of 30yards out-so far out indeed that Suttie yelled,"Don't shoot!"-but Gaynor hit the volley and it sailed over the keeper then dipped under the bar for a spectacular goal. Gaynor was mobbed from all angles as players celebrated an absolute stunner, and it's still the longest range strike to score in Phoenix history. The drama wasn't over, and eventually Phoenix won 3-2 through an injury time winner from Steve Rogers.
	NUMBER 1: Greg Hayes vs Queens Park April 2001 The original and still the best. Phoenix's first ever match produced their best goal(in the eyes of this page anyway). 1-1 it was, Hayes, off balance, on the turn, on the wrong foot, on the half volley, 20 yards out, first time shot. Add all that up and it doesn't usually equal a goal, but in this instance it did. Top corner no less. Technically, Gaynors goal was probably superior, but the reason this is number 1 is this; Give Gaynor 100 balls and he could do the same 3,4 or 5 times. Give Hayes 100 balls and 50 would go out for a throw in, 49 would be goal kicks and 1 would be a goal. This was truly a once in a lifetime strike.
	UNLUCKY TO MISS OUT: David Suttie from 40yards when the keeper got caught pushing forward; David Rodgers goal in a friendly against Spearwood Dalmatinac; Stephen Suttie's chipping of the Morley keeper; Hayes vs Morley 2001; Bergins header vs Gosnells 2004. It was tough to pick out just 10 strikes. Players can continue to debate, but this is the websites choice as at start of 2007.