Jack Hudson

HE’S the Gawler superstar who continues to shine.

Riley McGree is in Japan as part of the Olyroos squad that has its sights set on an Olympic Games medal in coming weeks.

His achievements have already been remarkable for a 22-year-old: a nomination for the Puskas Award for the best goal in the world, Young Player of the Year awards and most recently his first cap for the Socceroos.

Peter Broelman, secretary at his junior club, Gawler Eagles, said his achievements had been a joy to watch.

“It is absolutely sensational that a local kid can reach the heights of the world stage,” he said.

“There’s only one thing bigger than the Olympics of course, which is the World Cup.

“For him to achieve that at such a young age, that’s testimony to himself and his parents, notably his dad, Dave.”

Dave McGree has been heavily involved with Barossa District Football Club in the past, but has ensured his soccer star son hasn’t forgotten his roots.

“He has kept Riley in touch with his junior roots, as a bit of a grounding thing,” Broelman said.

“When the new committee started at Gawler, his old man, just rocked up out of the blue.

“It was a training session at night and he introduced himself and I had no idea who he was, of course, because I was only fresh to the scene but he asked if it’s OK for Riley to come by and say ‘g’day’ to the kids.

“It was just sensational for a dad and his up and coming son to just drop in and say ‘g’day’.

“Everyone was quite happy and delighted to be honest, to maintain that contact.

“And we’ve done the same with others such as Ben (Warland) and Lachie (Brook).

“It’s priceless.

“It’s great to have a lot of juniors play for their club.”

Mr Broelman added it had been a big benefit for the club on and off the pitch, with the club’s juniors seeing the ceiling someone can reach.

“It’s very special to have a past junior have a high profile and because he’s young, have someone that kids can easily relate to and aspire to,” he said.

“He’s a top bloke, very humble, passionate.

“I did see him on the back pitch training by himself going through some drills.

“This is prior to him going overseas, I think he was at either Newcastle or Melbourne City.

“We were playing a game and right down the back pitch was this young fella putting out cones and stuff.

“Even during the week, I rocked up to inspect some goal nets and sure enough, there’s Riley running laps and doing sprints and timing himself.”

McGree pulled on the boots on Monday night in the 0-2 loss to New Zealand in Ichihara City, playing in the second half.