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Shane Smeltz

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Shane Smeltz
Shane Smeltz with Borneo FC in 2017
Personal information
Full name Shane Edward Smeltz
Date of birth (1981-09-29) 29 September 1981 (age 43)
Place of birth Göppingen, West Germany
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1997–1998 QAS
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999 Gold Coast City
1999–2001 Brisbane Strikers 25 (0)
2001–2002 Napier City Rovers 21 (20)
2002–2003 Adelaide City 23 (7)
2003–2004 Adelaide United 7 (1)
2004 MetroStars 8 (2)
2005 Mansfield Town 5 (0)
2005–2006 AFC Wimbledon 43 (19)
2006–2007 Halifax Town 31 (2)
2007–2009 Wellington Phoenix 39 (21)
2009–2010 Gold Coast United 28 (21)
2010–2011 Gençlerbirliği 6 (1)
2011 Gold Coast United 10 (7)
2011–2014 Perth Glory 58 (28)
2014–2016 Sydney FC 43 (12)
2016 Kedah FA 18 (11)
2016–2017 Wellington Phoenix 12 (3)
2017 Borneo 20 (5)
2020–2023 Gold Coast United 45 (28)
2023 Guiseley 3 (0)
Total 445 (188)
International career
2001 New Zealand U20
2004 New Zealand U23 5 (7)
2012 New Zealand Olympic (O.P.) 5 (2)
2003–2017 New Zealand 58 (24)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Shane Edward Smeltz (born 29 September 1981) is a New Zealand former professional footballer. He plays as a striker.[2]

Smeltz had spent much of his early career playing in Australia before moving to England where he played for two and a half seasons. He played mostly in the A-League from 2007 onwards, with the exception of brief stints with Gençlerbirliği in Turkey and Kedah FA in Malaysia. He ended his professional playing career with Indonesian team Borneo F.C., before returning to the sport at a semi-professional level.

Smeltz is the all-time second-highest goalscorer in the A-League and was the top-goalscorer for Gold Coast United. He scored 24 goals in 58 international appearances for New Zealand and played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Early and personal life

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Smeltz was born in Göppingen, West Germany to ethnic German parents with New Zealand citizenship. Six months later he moved to New Zealand. In November 1987, at the age of six, Smeltz moved to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, where he pursued a career in football through the Queensland Academy of Sport and was brought up for the remainder of his adolescent years while holding a New Zealand visa. Smeltz was granted dual-citizenship at the age of 23, becoming a dual-citizen of New Zealand and Australia. He attended Palm Beach Currumbin High School on the Gold Coast during his teenage years and was classmates with future professional surfers Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson.[3]

Smeltz lives in Sydney with his wife Nikki (who later became a federal election candidate for United Australia Party) and daughters Bonnie and Scarlett but spends the off season on the Gold Coast and still considers it to be his home.[4]

Club career

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In England 2005–07

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Smeltz played for a variety of amateur and semi-professional Australian clubs before he played a brief five match spell for Mansfield Town in the English Football League Two in 2005.[5] After being released by Mansfield he signed for AFC Wimbledon in March 2005, where he made 60 competitive appearances and scored 26 goals.[6][7] He played the following season for Halifax Town in the Conference National.

Wellington Phoenix

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Smeltz returned to New Zealand in 2007, signing a two-year deal with the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League. In his first season, he finished second in the Golden Boot race with nine goals from 19 appearances. In the 2008–09 season, Smeltz scored a record-equalling 12 goals for the A-League season proper, resulting in the A-League Golden Boot 2008-09 and also goal of the season for his winning strike against Melbourne Victory at Westpac Stadium in round 13. In 2008–09 season Smeltz was voted the A-League's best player and was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal.[8]

Gold Coast United

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In November 2008 the Phoenix lost its battle to retain Smeltz for the 2009 season as he signed a three-year deal with A-League expansion club Gold Coast United.[9]

Smeltz scored nine goals on his Gold Coast United debut as Miron Bleiberg's men recorded a 12–1 victory in their inaugural outing, a friendly against Mudgeeraba SC.

On 8 August 2009, Smeltz scored his club's first goal in their first A-League game against Brisbane Roar. In the following week Smeltz scored an impressive four goals against North Queensland Fury, which included a penalty. Smeltz and Gold Coast recorded their first loss to the Newcastle Jets at the next round, notable for being the only game he had not scored a goal.

A week later, Smeltz rebounded from his club's first loss to help in the win against Sydney FC. In the process he added another two goals to his tally taking him to an outstanding 8 goals from 5 games, his single man goal count was greater than any other club's overall amount in the league.[10]

With 19 A-League goals to his name, he was formerly the holder for most A League goals in a season.

Shandong Luneng

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On 12 July 2010, after a stellar season with Gold Coast United, it was announced Smeltz had agreed to terms with Chinese club Shandong Luneng on a two-year contract subject to passing a medical.[11] On 17 July 2010, it was announced that Smeltz had "changed his mind about China and decided to return home", just five days into his contract. There was some confusion after his decision to return home in regards to which club he was contracted to.

Shandong Luneng had paid the transfer fee to Gold Coast United, but a Football Federation Australia source confirmed that Gold Coast United had not dispatched Smeltz's International Transfer Clearance form, meaning Smeltz was therefore free to rejoin them without any possibility of an international tug-of-war over his services.

On 17 July 2010, Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer publicly stated that he is "hopeful of retaining him for the coming season."

Gençlerbirliği SK

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On 24 August, his overseas career was given a lifeline when he was signed by Turkish Süper Lig club Gençlerbirliği.[12] Smeltz made his debut for the club in their 2–1 home win over Istanbul BB. Smeltz scored his first goal for the club in the 1–0 home win over Ankaragucu with a 45th-minute penalty.

Perth Glory

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On 20 March 2011 it was announced that Perth Glory and Smeltz signed a three-year contract worth A$4.1 million with the A-League club as a marquee.[13] In his second appearance in the League for Perth, he scored a brace to take him to 51 League goals in the A-League, becoming only the second player to have scored a half-century in the competition next to Archie Thompson. On 24 March 2012 he scored all 4 goals in a 4–2 win against Melbourne Victory.

Sydney FC

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On 18 May 2014, it was announced that Smeltz would be parting ways with Perth Glory after three years at the club, to join Sydney FC on a one-year deal.[14] After the 2014–15 season, Smeltz signed a 2-year contract extension with Sydney, taking him to the end of the 2016–17 season.[15]

Kedah FA

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On 12 July 2016, Smelz joined Malaysian Super League club Kedah FA.[16] On 20 July 2016, he made his debut goal for Kedah, against T-Team in Malaysia Cup, scoring two goals.[17]

Return to Wellington Phoenix

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On 18 December 2016, Smeltz returned to New Zealand, signing with Wellington Phoenix until the end of the season.[18]

Borneo FC

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On 9 April 2017, Smeltz joined Indonesian club side Borneo in the Liga 1.[19]

Return to Gold Coast United

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Following an 18-year career, Smeltz retired from professional football on 11 February 2018.[20]

He subsequently signed with NPL Queensland team Gold Coast United in January 2020.[21]

Guiseley AFC

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After returning to England for family and work, in January 2023 Smeltz signed for Guiseley AFC, a 7th-tier semi-professional club based in the Leeds suburb of Guiseley.[2][22]

International career

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Smeltz has played for the under-20, under-23 and senior New Zealand national teams.[23][24] He scored his first goal for the All Whites, an away friendly on 25 April 2006, against Chile. In that game Smeltz also became the first AFC Wimbledon player to win international honours, and the first to become an international goalscorer.

In May 2007, he was the scorer of both New Zealand goals in an impressive 2–2 draw against Wales.

On 19 November 2007, following his impressive form with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League and consistent performances for the All Whites, Smeltz was voted New Zealand footballer of the year, ahead of FA Premier League star Ryan Nelsen and Celtic striker Chris Killen.[25] In December 2008, Smeltz was named Oceania federation player of 2007.[citation needed]

Smeltz travelled to South Africa as part of the New Zealand squad for both the 2009 Confederations Cup[26][27] and 2010 World Cup Finals. He scored a goal at the latter against 2006 World Cup winners Italy in Nelspruit, making him the first ever A-League player to score in the World Cup Finals.

He was part of the New Zealand men's team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.[28]

During a World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia on 22 March 2013, Smeltz was the victim of a high boot to the face in the opposing penalty area, leaving him bloodied.[29] Smeltz scored his last international goal in a 2015 friendly against Myanmar. He was a part of the New Zealand squad that played in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

International goals

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Scores and results list New Zealand's goal tally first.[30]
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 25 April 2006 Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, Chile  Chile 1–0 1–4 Friendly
2 26 May 2007 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Wales  Wales 1–0 2–2 Friendly
3 2–1
4 17 October 2007 Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji  Fiji 2–0 2–0 2008 OFC Nations Cup
5 17 November 2007 Korman Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu  Vanuatu 1–1 2–1 2008 OFC Nations Cup
6 21 November 2007 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand  Vanuatu 2–0 4–1 2008 OFC Nations Cup
7 3–0
8 6 September 2008 Stade Numa-Daly Magenta, Nouméa, New Caledonia  New Caledonia 1–0 3–0 2008 OFC Nations Cup
9 3–0
10 10 September 2008 North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand  New Caledonia 2–1 3–1 2008 OFC Nations Cup
11 3–1
12 3 June 2009 National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania  Tanzania 1–0 1–2 Friendly
13 10 June 2009 Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa  Italy 1–0 3–4 Friendly
14 10 September 2009 King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan  Jordan 1–1 3–1 Friendly
15 3–1
16 29 May 2010 Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria  Serbia 1–0 1–0 Friendly
17 20 June 2010 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa  Italy 1–0 1–1 2010 FIFA World Cup
18 26 May 2012 Cotton Bowl, Dallas, United States  Honduras 1–0 1–0 Friendly
19 4 June 2012 Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands  Papua New Guinea 1–0 2–1 2012 OFC Nations Cup
20 10 June 2012 Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands  Solomon Islands 4–3 4–3 2012 OFC Nations Cup
21 7 September 2012 Stade Numa-Daly Magenta, Nouméa, New Caledonia  New Caledonia 1–0 2–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
22 11 September 2012 North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand  Solomon Islands 1–0 6–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
23 12 October 2012 Stade Pater Te Hono Nui, Pirae, French Polynesia  Tahiti 1–0 2–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
24 7 September 2015 Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar  Myanmar 1–0 1–1 Friendly

International career statistics

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[31]

New Zealand national team
Year Apps Goals
2003 2 0
2004 2 0
2005 1 0
2006 4 1
2007 6 6
2008 2 4
2009 9 4
2010 8 2
2011 3 0
2012 11 6
2013 2 0
2014 0 0
2015 1 1
2016 1 0
2017 3 0
Total 55 24

Honours

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Napier City Rovers

MetroStars

AFC Wimbledon

Perth Glory

Sydney FC

Kedah FA

New Zealand

Individual

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Shane Smeltz". Soccerway. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Lions Add World Cup Scorer Smeltz To Squad". Guiseley AFC. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Shane Smeltz's message of support to Mick Fanning". 19 September 2017.
  4. ^ Wilson, Terry (11 August 2015). "Sydney FC soccer star Shane Smeltz still calls the Gold Coast home". Goldcoast.com.au. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  5. ^ Stürmer Shane Smeltz im Interview "Mein Ziel ist Europa" Frankfurter Rundschau, 4 June 2010
  6. ^ "Smeltz Signs for AFC Wimbledon". www.stagsnet.net. 11 March 2005. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Player Profile | Shane Smeltz". AFC Wimbledon. Archived from the original on 16 December 2007.
  8. ^ "Smeltz wins Johnny Warren Medal". The Sydney Morning Herald. 3 February 2009.
  9. ^ "Smeltz signs with Gold Coast". Wellington Phoenix FC. 4 November 2008. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
  10. ^ "Smeltz stands tall with brace". The Age. 6 September 2009.
  11. ^ "Gold Coast United's Smeltz China-bound".[dead link]
  12. ^ "Smeltz Heads For Turkey". FourFourTwo Australia. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
  13. ^ http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1049263/Glory-days-ahead-for-Smeltz Glory days ahead for Smeltz
  14. ^ "Sydney FC Signs Shane Smeltz". Football Federation Australia. 18 May 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  15. ^ AAP (28 May 2015). "Shane Smeltz signs new two-year deal with Sydney FC". The Australian. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  16. ^ "All Whites striker Shane Smeltz signs with Malaysian Super League club Kedah". The New Zealand Herald. 12 July 2016.
  17. ^ "Kelantan leaves it late to snatch 3-3 draw with Selangor". The New Straits Times. 20 July 2016.
  18. ^ "Shane Smeltz returns to Wellington Phoenix". The New Zealand Herald. 19 December 2016.
  19. ^ "Shane Smeltz Jadi Marquee Player Borneo". borneofc.id. 9 April 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  20. ^ "Football: Shane Smeltz hangs up his boots". The New Zealand Herald. 11 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Smeltz Signs!". goldcoastunitedfc.com.au. Gold Coast United. 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  22. ^ "Guiseley | Appearances | Shane Smeltz | 2022–2023". www.footballwebpages.co.uk. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  23. ^ "A-International Appearances – Overall". The Ultimate New Zealand football Website. Retrieved 12 February 2009.[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ "A-International Scorers – Overall". The Ultimate New Zealand football Website. Retrieved 12 February 2009.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ "No regrets for departing Phoenix star". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
  26. ^ "New Zealand – All Whites name Confederations Cup squad". Oceania Football confederation. 7 May 2009. Archived from the original on 24 June 2009. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  27. ^ "2009 Confederations Cup – New Zealand squad". FIFA. Archived from the original on 13 June 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
  28. ^ "Shane Smeltz at sports-reference.com". sports-reference.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  29. ^ Smith, Tony (25 March 2013). "Bloodied face sparks bad memories for Smeltz". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  30. ^ "NFT profile". National Football Teams. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  31. ^ Shane Smeltz at National-Football-Teams.com
  32. ^ "New Zealand 2002". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  33. ^ "Match report | Walton & Hersham vs. AFC Wimbledon". AFC Wimbledon. 3 May 2005. Archived from the original on 5 December 2007.
  34. ^ "Brisbane Roar 2–1 Perth Glory (Grand Final)". www.aleaguestats.com. 22 April 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  35. ^ "Melbourne Victory 3–0 Sydney FC (Grand Final)". www.aleaguestats.com. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  36. ^ "Oceanian Nations Cup 2008 (Final Tournament) - Goal Scorers". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
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