Extra Time: The insatiable drive behind Wenzel-Halls' goal-scoring exploits

For as long as he can remember, Brisbane Roar striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls has just had an insatiable appetite to score goals.

Whether it was during lunch break at St. Peter Claver College or while playing youth football for Olympic FC, nothing could beat the feeling of putting the ball in the back of the net.

And it’s something he has done nearly all of his life, including a remarkable feat while playing for Western Pride in the National Premier Leagues QLD in 2018.

In one match, the then 20-year-old scored seven times as the Pride set an NPL record with a 15-1 win over Sunshine Coast Fire.

“I just kept getting the ball out of the net because I wanted to score more goals,” Wenzel-Halls tells www.a-league.com.au of that record-breaking match.

“Each goal I scored I went and got the ball out of the net and ran back to halfway so we can go again.

“It was the most goals by a player and the most goals in a game for a team. It was nice to get that record for the team.”

He added: “To score that many goals in the NPL was good and I was hoping to get my chance in the A-League.

"And now I have been given it I’ve just got to make the most of the opportunity.”

Unsurprisingly, Wenzel-Halls’ feats at NPL level were being noticed by Hyundai A-League clubs, with the Ipswich youngster getting a shot with Brisbane Roar for the 2018/19 Season.

While it’s been a tumultuous campaign for the Queensland outfit, the emergence of Wenzel-Halls has been a major positive.

The 21-year-old has made 13 appearances (starting four times), scoring three goals and setting up two.

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The undoubted highlight came back in Round 18, scoring a last-minute pile-driver to help the Roar upset defending Premiers Sydney FC 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium.

“I don’t think you can get much better. The ball just came to me and I just hit it as hard as I could,” Wenzel-Halls beamed.

“It was an amazing feeling in front of the home fans, for the boys, for the fans, for my family… it was a special moment considering we’d not won too many games.

“So, to win the match in that fashion, it was an unbelievable feeling for the team.”

Wenzel-Halls has been rewarded for his breakout season by signing a new long-term deal to remain with the Roar.

While he’s enjoyed an excellent start to life in the Hyundai A-League, he’s aware he must keep producing.

“My goal is to keep scoring and performing as best as I can,” he said.

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“I want to contribute to more and more goals, whether that’s scoring or assisting or just being involved in them.

“Just to finish the season strong and as a team and individually would be an achievable target for us.”

Roar, who have won two of their last three games in the Hyundai A-League, are next in action on Friday night against Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.

Watch the full interview with Wenzel-Halls in the player at the top of the page.