Aussie 'Grey Wiggle' Keeper Hits 300 Games Where It All Began

The goalkeeper who wiggled his way into Australian sports history is reaching a milestone that few ever achieve, and he's doing it less than 500 meters from where he was born.

Andrew Redmayne will play his 300th A-League game tonight for the Central Coast Mariners, the same club where his professional journey began in 2008. The 37-year-old goalkeeper started his career at Gosford Stadium, just a short walk from Gosford Hospital where he entered the world.

"It's a complete 360 loop really, and a pretty special occasion for me," Redmayne said. Only a handful of players have reached this milestone in Australian professional soccer.

His teammates celebrated in the best way possible: they all showed up to practice wearing fake beards. The gesture honored Redmayne's signature facial hair, which became famous during his unforgettable performance at the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

That's when the world met the "Grey Wiggle." Redmayne's penalty save against Peru, complete with arm waving and theatrical jumping, sent the Socceroos to the World Cup and turned him into an overnight sensation.

"He'll go down in Australian football folklore for making that save," said Lawrie McKinna, the coach who first signed Redmayne and now serves as Central Coast's mayor. The moment captured hearts globally and reminded everyone that sports can still surprise us.

Sunny's Take

What makes Redmayne's story shine isn't just the saves or the statistics. It's the smile.

"I get to catch balls and hang out with mates all day, there's nothing not to smile about," Redmayne explained. Teammates past and present describe him as someone who always finds the joy, even in high-pressure moments.

That positivity has carried him through nearly 20 years, five different clubs, and four championship titles. Coach Warren Moon praised his calm demeanor both on and off the field, noting how it sets the standard for younger players.

Danny Vukovic, Redmayne's predecessor at the Mariners who now coaches goalkeepers, summed up the club's feelings: "We want to celebrate the right way with a win." The team needs a victory against Brisbane Roar tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

For a kid from Gosford who never lost his love for the game, coming home to mark 300 games feels perfect. "You've got to have a bit of fun, and crack a joke, because they're the moments you remember," Redmayne said.