THE challenge has been set for Griffin Goodman’s friends and family to make his 18th birthday present even better than his 17th.
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And it could take some beating.
The Port Saints midfielder will turn 17 on August 15 – a date which coincides with his opportunity to test himself against the Newcastle Jets.
He wasn’t sure who he would mark on the night, but was hopeful it could be a former Port Saints junior and a good friend.
“It will be good to mark Angus Thurgate because he’s a good mate of mine and I played with him over a couple of years,” he said.
“Hopefully I know his game a little bit.”
Thurgate has progressed through the Jets ranks and is expected by many to make his A-League debut at some stage this season.
Goodman admitted he never thought he would be picked for the Football Mid North Coast representative side.
“It’s a really good birthday prezzy because I didn’t expect to be picked at all,” he said.
“It is a good opportunity to verse an A-League team which doesn’t happen real often.”
While the match is being billed as a friendly, Goodman didn’t expect the Jets to take a backward step.
It’s a really good birthday prezzy because I didn’t expect to be picked at all.
- Port Saints midfielder Griffin Goodman
“I know they’ll be good, there is no doubt about that,” he said.
“I’m expecting them to be really physical and it will be difficult to fight against that, but I’ll see how I go.”
Goodman said the experience would be difficult to beat in coming years.
“I’ve never played on Regional Stadium before, so it’s a big jump from the other grounds I’ve played on,” he said.
The teenager didn’t feel any added pressure to perform with the opportunity to make an impression on the Jets coaching staff.
A solid performance could lead to an invitation to train with the youth squad.
“First and foremost I’m not expecting that to happen but it would be amazing if it did,” he said.
“It’s not the number one thing I thought about, I just want to enjoy myself.
“Hopefully I don’t stuff up, because that will be a bit embarrassing.”