In the rural community of Palmerston, 20km outside of Darwin’s CBD, Liam Patrick can still be found wearing his beloved Gold Coast SUNS New Era Cap.
The former Gold Coaster formally dubbed “Flash” and the “Lajamanu Lightning Bolt”, stole the show at the NFTL’s 2013 Michael Long Cup, making his U12 coaching debut in a bid to give back to the football community that assisted in his rise to the AFL.
“It was my first ever time coaching and it was great to give back to the community as well,” he said.
“Having played in the big league, people like us who got the experience and talent need to give back to the community and to the young ones as well to help them step up as well.”
The 25-year-old speedster was taken as a zone selection in 2009, leaving behind his girlfriend and new-born son to chase his dream of playing in the AFL.
In three seasons, the Northern Territorian notched 13 senior appearances and booted six goals including an unbelievable left-foot snap against the Brisbane Lions in the inaugural QCLASH that had to be seen to be believed.
Although no longer playing at the senior level, Patrick has a positive outlook for his football future.
“When you get delisted or retire, you can look back and say that I’ve been there and done that,” Patrick said.
“Now I can try pass on my knowledge to the younger generation.”
GC SUNS Player Welfare Coordinator – Sam Coen, told goldcoastfc.com.au Patrick’s lasting legacy at the club would remain for years to come, with few players oozing such exuberance.
“Liam was a real leader of the community at his time at the SUNS, and it is great to see him continuing that in the Northern Territory,” Coen said.
“We pride ourselves on developing our players, both on and off the field, and the club couldn’t be happier to see him doing so well.”
Signed to the Wanderers Football Club for the upcoming season in the NTFL, Patrick speculated a return to NEAFL with the NT Thunder, and even opportunities in the SANFL, refusing to strike out a return to the AFL.
“At the moment I am going to stay up here and play with the Wanderers, and go from there. I might play with the Thunder or even go south and play interstate,” he said.
“I’ll give it a crack. I still have plenty (of football) left in me and I won’t hold back.”
“I’ll still have a good try.”
