MELBOURNE’S brightest young star Austin Wonaeamirri has revealed the motivation behind his extravagant goal celebrations this year – to motivate his teammates.
The 19-year-old has kicked 21 goals so far this season including a tally of four majors in Melbourne’s first victory of the season over Fremantle in round seven and two in the round 14 victory over the Brisbane Lions.
Wonaeamirri, originally from the Tiwi Islands, was speaking on afl.com.au’s Heartbeat.
“I just wanted to get the boys up and going … just trying to create a bit of excitement at the club,” Wonaeamirri said.
When the show’s host Aaron Davey suggested that the manner of his teammate’s celebrations would be more suited to soccer, the teenager was quick to agree.
“It would be good to play soccer and earn a bit of money,” Wonaeamirri joked.
Despite feeling well at home in Melbourne, he insists that as for life after footy, he is destined to return home.
“After footy, I’ll probably go back home to the Tiwi Islands and try and help out with footy. We have a school there which I’d like to help out with and try and get the boys to follow the same path that I did.”
