Prolific goal scorer Liam Boland has ended his NPLM Victoria a Champion, bowing out after a near decade-long career playing across four clubs.
The West Australian native ended his NPLM Victoria career with 189 matches and 104 goals, representing Oakleigh Cannons, Green Gully, Hume City, and Avondale.
Speaking to Josh Parish post-game, Boland said it was the “perfect ending” to his time in Victoria.
“It was really special to win it with this group, with some of us missing out on two years of the prime of our careers, it was hard in the pandemic,” Boland explained.
“There is not a better team in the country in the NPL and I don’t think there will be for some time.
“The goals we have scored and the football we have played, every week turning up and playing our way no matter who we play against; it is something we can all be really proud of.
“The club stuck by the group after a bad year last year, it just means the world to us.”
Boland told Parish he was glad to rid himself of the 2019 NPL Grand Final defeat to Bentleigh Greens in penalties and be able to return home to Western Australia on a winning note.
“I actually watched the 2019 Grand Final for the first time since we lost last night, I was just seeing if there was anything I could have done differently on the big stage,” he said.
“It is still hard to think about those days, but it is nice to put it in the back of my mind now with a win.
“It is special to finally get the one that matters.”
The all-time NPLM Victoria leading scorer entered the match in the 72nd minute and made an instant impact, scoring a long-range goal in the 79th minute.
“I didn’t mind that one,” he said.
“I haven’t really scored from range this year, so I had to do it and luckily it was in the last game of the year.
“The boys were sensational today and to come on when the game was 2-0 made it a bit more enjoyable and allowed me to play with a bit more freedom.
“What a day for it, honestly, it is an incredible moment, something I will cherish forever with this group.
“It is such a special group, to cap it off with a goal was nice as well.”
The striker's goal-scoring form transcended the NPL, scoring 10 goals in nine Australia Cup matches - the most of any Victorian NPL player. His impressive record places him third in the all-time goalscoring charts, only behind Patrick Antemi (11) and Besart Berisha (12).