Superboot hopes to go one better

By Gavin Staindl
IN terms of soccer performances, Joey Carey had the year of her life … but there’s a missing hole in the life of the ambitious Berwick striker.
When long-time friend Laura Scott died in a car crash on Mother’s Day, Carey, 19, was distraught.
Carey had formed a close relationship with the loveable teen through family and friends – and her sudden death struck a chord with Carey.
Scott lost her life when the car she was driving veered off the road and went into a tree at Guys Hill.
Carey said since the accident she had grown to be more mature – and with every goal she scored, thanked Scott by pointing to the sky in memory of her inspiration.
“She really meant something to me,” Carey said.
“(One) reason I played with more focus this year was because of Laura Scott … and that’s why I dedicated my goals to her.”
Carey took out the Division Two golden boot award (most goals in a season) for the first time, scoring 24 goals, 10 more than any other player.
On Sunday, she produced yet another hat-trick to guide Berwick to a 3-0 win over Mooroolbark in the grand final.
Yet Carey remains unsatisfied with the season.
“It would have been nicer if we made it to State League One,” Carey said.
Berwick City finished one point away from promotion and despite winning the grand final on Sunday, they will have to wait at least another year before moving up a grade.
“I’ve been at Berwick City for nine years and my aim as a kid was to get them to the Premier League,” Carey said.
“Although it was disappointing, we’ll pick ourselves back up and try for promotion next year… my aim still hasn’t changed.
“I love the club. It’s where I’ve always wanted to be and my friends are all here.
“All the other girls have been there for nine years as well, so I’ve been playing with them for most of my life.
“It was nice to get the golden boot award but promotion into state league one means more to me.”
According to Berwick president Dave Mackie, Carey is good enough to be playing in the Premier League but it’s her loyalty that sets her apart.
“As far as a forward goes, she is the best (in the league) and could be playing at any standard she wished,” Mackie said.
“But that is one of the biggest bonuses about Berwick, we develop the players as juniors and we keep them.
“We like to promote within.”