EVERY footballer aspires to get his team over the line by kicking the winning goal.
Most never realise that dream.
But for Jack Haarsma, the first-year player in Port Adelaide's league team, that dream became a reality on Friday night when he booted the Magpies in front of Glenelg with under a minute left on the clock.
Haarsma debuted in Round 5 against the Eagles, but was forced to drop back to the Academy side and did not play League again until Round 14.
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Sent back to the Academy the next week, he played just his third league game against the Bays on Friday, and played a crucial role.
He told portadelaidefc.com.au of his relief when the final siren sounded.
"It was good to score the goal, I missed a shot at goal early on in the game, so it was really good to help the team out later on," Haarsma said.
"None of us really knew how much time was left, so when the siren went, it was really a lot of relief.
"They [Glenelg) jumped us at the start and we just didn't bring that intensity or pressure.
"But after half time, it was a different story and the boys came out and were back on their game, so it was great."
Haarsma refused to drop his bundle when sent back into the Academy team on two previous occasions this year.
He said hard work with the Academy helped him push his credentials at selection and earn a place in the league side again.
The former Cummins junior who has played right through Port's former talent development structure will keep working to make the most of every opportunity he gets.
"Doing the basics back in the Academy games, like all the team care stuff really helped me I think and then when an opportunity comes up, I just try and take it," he said.
"It's great to be around the boys and play with the senior guys, it's something I've always wanted to do with the Magpies, so hopefully I can continue helping the side."
