Riley McGree goal: Newcastle Jets midfielder scores incredible scorpion kick in 2018 Puskas Award contender

The on-loan Club Brugge midfielder scored one of the goals of the season to help send Newcastle Jets through to the A-League Grand Final

Nineteen-year-old Australian midfielder Riley McGree has shot to fame after scoring an incredible scorpion kick to help fire Newcastle Jets into the A-League Grand Final at the expense of Melbourne City.

McGree may not be the most well-known footballer in the game, but his goal on Friday was nothing short of astonishing and has taken social media by storm, with video footage of the strike going viral across the weekend.

The teenager, who is on loan from Belgian side Club Brugge after leaving Adelaide United last year, produced a moment of magic just before the hour mark when his side were losing 1-0 and on course for a semi-final exit.

With the ball played into his feet outside the area, McGree played a one-two with fellow midfielder Ronald Vargas, whose chipped return fell behind the advancing McGree and forced him into flicking his right leg out behind him in an attempt to knock the ball in front of him. But he did more than that, with the ball striking his heel and looping over the head of Melbourne goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis and into the net from the edge of the area.

McGree started the move by playing the ball to teammate Ronald Vargas (Fox Sports)

Vargas looks to play McGree in by returning the pass (Fox Sports)

McGree finishes with a brilliant scorpion kick from the edge of the area (Fox Sports)

“Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! Have you seen a more freakish goal in A-League history?” the commentator screamed after witnessing the wonder goal. “It’s one of the most amazing things we’ve ever seen.”

The goal was reminiscent of Olivier Giroud’s effort for Arsenal last season against Crystal Palace, which went on to win the 2017 Puskas Award, the gong for the ‘most beautiful’ goal of the year across the planet, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan also scored a scorpion kick for Manchester United last year.

The wonder goal levelled the scores and helped Newcastle secure victory (Getty)

Speaking to Fox Sports after the match, McGree conceded that it may not have been exactly what he was expected to do.

“I think I did get a bit lucky but I had the momentum going forward,” he said. “I'm pretty happy.”

Riley McGree's scorpion kick sparked wild celebrations among the Newcastle Jets fans (Getty)

McGree’s effort levelled the scores at 1-1, with Newcastle teammate Jason Hoffman going on to score the winner that booked their place in next Saturday’s Grand Final where they will face either Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory.