Champness savours 'special' Jets winner

Newcastle Jets rising star Joe Champness has opened up about the ‘special’ moment of scoring the match winner in his side’s nail biting 1-0 Suncorp Stadium triumph against the Brisbane Roar.

Joseph Champness (R) of the Jets celebrates with team mates after scoring the match winner against Brisbane Roar Source: Getty Images

The Brisbane-raised 20-year old’s cool finish, moments after coming on as a substitute, clinched victory in front of family and friends at the ground known as “The Cauldron”.

While the goal was Champness’ fourth of the season, it is one the former Brisbane Roar youth product won’t forget any time soon.

“It was an incredible feeling,” Champness said.

“Playing junior football in Brisbane I have long thought about scoring a goal at Suncorp Stadium.

“Being able to share the moment with my family and friends in the stands makes it extra special.

“The coach told me to be confident and to make a difference for the team and I’m just happy I could deliver for them.”

It has been a breakthrough season for the winger who has gone from strength to strength since scoring on his A-League debut in the opening round of the season.

Champness has featured in 19 games for the Jets this campaign and has been named in the starting squad 11 times.

His impressive performances for Ernie Merrick’s side earnt the boom rookie selection in the Under-23 Australian team for January’s AFC Under-23 championship in China as well as the honour of A-League Young Player of the Month for December.

Despite his match-winning moment and incredible personal success so far this season, Champness is refusing to rest on his laurels with new signings Riley McGree and Patricio Rodriguez added to the logjam of Jets attackers fighting it out for game time.

“The battle for starting positions in the squad is really fierce and if you’re not at the top of your game there are three or four other players who are giving it everything make the opportunity their own," he said.

“The competition for places is healthy for the squad and will only make us better as players.

“Obviously all players want to get on the field as much as possible, and it is disappointing when you don’t get named in the starting line-up or in the squad, but we all respect the coach’s decision and will give it everything to help the team when called on.”

With a clash against the competition’s runaway leaders Sydney FC on Saturday looming, Champness is focused on driving his team to victory no matter his role.

“It has been an exciting season for everyone involved in the club but we still have plenty to do,” he said.

“Going up against Sydney FC is always a challenge and a win would be massive for our club.

“I’ll be giving it my all this week in training and hopefully I get another chance to make a difference.”