IT started as a bit of banter between Eli Adams and the Jets media manager. It has since morphed into one of the A-League's signature goal celebrations. After finding the back of the net, Adams stands still, crosses his arms and rubs them as if feeling the "cold".
The "shiver" celebration was made famous by Chelsea wonderboy Cole Palmer. Now a cultural phenomenon in the English Premier League, it has been mirrored around the globe. On learning that Adams was a Chelsea fan, the Jets media manager tagged the attacker the "Aussie Cole Palmer" in a nod to their similar playing styles.
"It started when I hit a bit of form last year," Adams said. "Our media man started writing that narrative. I adopted the goal celebration. It caught on and I kept going with it. I stopped for a little while and a few fans asked for it to come back. It has come back to life."
Adams repeated the iconic celebration, sending the Jets faithful into a frenzy, after his tie-turning equaliser in the 1-all draw with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium last Saturday. "At that stage in the game, the goal was really crucial," Adams said. "After I scored, to look up and see so many fans across that stand."
The Jets host Sydney FC in the second leg at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night. Victory will secure the Jets a home grand final and a chance to complete a historic domestic treble, after already collecting the Australia Cup and Premiers Plate. More than 20,000 tickets have been sold for the showdown.
The decisive goal by Adams against Sydney was his fourth in three games and ninth of the campaign. "It's just a phase where I'm really just enjoying my football," Adams said. "Millsy, the boss, has really expressed how special it is to play finals football. To not only win the premiership, but now have the chance to compete and win the finals. It's really special and doesn't come around often. I've taken in everything and really tried to just enjoy the football and be a competitor. It seems to be working."
Clayton Taylor was the architect for Adams' decisive strike. The winger broke down the left touchline, cut inside, beating three defenders before threading an inch-perfect pass for Adams to lift into the roof of the net. "That's something only Clay can do," Adams said. "You think he's in a situation that he won't get out of and he'll find a way."
The Taylor-Adams combination has been one of the most lethal in the league for the past two seasons. "Clay and I have a really good partnership," Adams said. "We have a lot of belief in each other and have combined for a lot of goals." After injury stalled starts to this campaign, Adams and Taylor each returned to the starting side in round eight. Both scored in a 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix. The Jets won nine of the next 10 games to set up their record-breaking season.
Striker Lachie Rose was also integral to the winning run. The Scotland-bound 27-year-old has missed the past two games with a calf strain, but is back in full training and appears on track for a return. "It would be big to have Lachie back," Adams said. "The energy and enthusiasm he brings to our team is infectious. When he's on, he will score goals for us. He's got that never say die attitude. It rubs off on everyone. When he's out there, you see him chasing down things and it lifts everyone. In saying that, Ben Gibson has been brilliant for us in the last few weeks as well."
Adams was part of the Melbourne Victory squad but didn't feature in the finals in 2023-24 when they went down 3-1 to the Mariners in the grand final. "I missed out on the match-day squad back then," Adams said. "These chances don't come around very often. To win silverware is something that you dream of. We have seen tremendous growth in this club in the past two years. The introduction of Millsy and his crew, and the players that have come in, we have a really special group. It's a great vibe. Everyone gets along really well. You never know when you're going to be here again. We are just enjoying every step of way. We'll give it our all."
