Grand final hero says Kings deserve respect

The Kings forward scored five minutes from time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over minor premier Adelaide City in Saturday night’s title decider at Hindmarsh Stadium.

McGreevy said the victory, which came with 10 men against a side which finished 14 points better off during the regular season, typified Croydon’s fighting spirit and togetherness.

“Hard work beats talent every day,” said McGreevy, who also scored an injury-time winner against MetroStars in the preliminary final.

“It’s all about pure heart and workrate.

“Obviously we’re good players individually, but together we’re great.

“We don’t mind being the underdogs because no one really talks about us, but maybe now they should.”

Croydon, who finished the campaign fourth, soaked up immense City pressure before Paul Radice handed them a 69th minute lead with a 20m rocket.

Kings goalkeeper Nick Munro, a standout throughout, then received a second yellow card for remonstrating with the referee after his initial penalty save was chalked off for encroachment.

City’s Nic Bucco converted the spot kick at the second time of asking, only for the tireless McGreevy to slot home the decisive strike from a tricky angle and spark wild celebrations.

“I don’t usually get emotional, but I teared up a little bit today,” McGreevy, 27, said.

“I was so happy and so proud – it was a great feeling.

“I think we probably respected them a little bit too much early on … and we sat back and held on.

“They had waves and waves of attacks, but we dug deep and were desperate.

“I got the whole team together when Munners (Munro) was walking off and said ‘look this is where boys become men, it’s time to grow up.

“We just had to get it done and we did’.”

The victory secured Croydon’s third major trophy in four years under coach Mark Brazzale.

It also came with former A-League winger Rocky Visconte sidelined through injury.

“The scenes are unreal,” McGreevy said.

“Everyone is ecstatic.

“All the hard work actually does pay off and the lads have clearly shown that tonight (Saturday).”