A friendly competition between two Sebastopol Vikings teammates has emerged to become the first player in the club's history to score 50 FFV state league goals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Club veteran Kuany Jal Tuany holds a narrow lead after a two-goal haul in his side's win over Westvale brought him two shy of the target with 48.
But up-and-comer Liam Dawson is nipping at the heals of 30-year-old Tuany, much to the delight of his teammates who have enjoyed watching the contest unfold.
"There is a bit of friendly banter but we are both good friends," Dawson said.
"There has been a bit of joking around it and side choosing, but it's all in good fun."
Tuany was the odds-on favorite reach the milestone, but the race tightened up after a blistering two-week effort saw Dawson kick five goals in two matches in the reserves last month.
After being elevated to the senior side, the 19-year-old closed the gap further by netting two more against Essendon a fortnight ago.
The performance brought him neck-and-neck with his his teammate on 46 goals before Tuany jumped two goals ahead with a brace on the weekend.
With only two goals separating the two players, the stage is set for a showdown of sorts over the final two months of the season.
"We can usually count on one of us to score each week," Dawson said.
"It's good to be able to score goals for the club and be able to help the team out."
After joining the club four years ago, Dawson spent time in the BDSA before entering state league competition two years ago.
Tuany however has long been a reliable goal-scorer for the club since joining in 2014.
He credited his goal-scoring prowess to his pace and belief.
"As a striker you don't know when you're going to get the chance, but it's a matter of taking risks and hoping your teammates will find you," he said.
Dawson on the other hand has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
We can usually count on one of us to score each week.
- Liam Dawson
"I get most of my goals on the end of good teamwork and build-up, as well as a couple of good headers here and there," he said.
The friendly rivalry has paid dividends for the squad in recent weeks, with both players shining in the midst of a two-game winning streak.
Despite being only two goals off the milestone, Tuany said he wouldn't lose sight of what mattered most.
" What matters is that we win the game each week," he said.
"The milestone doesn't matter as long as the team gets the three points."
