Oliver Florent launched the footy inside 50, Luke Parker juggled a pack mark, balanced and flung his boot at the ball.

As close to 60,000 fans watched on as Perth’s Optus Stadium played host to its first men’s AFL match in history, Parker goaled off a bicycle kick to put the crowd in raptures.

The star midfielder lodged an early contender for Goal of the Year as Sydney toppled West Coast in Round 1 – and as the Swans prepare to Live the Moment in next Saturday’s elimination final against the Giants, long-time member Michael Pringle says Parker’s miraculous goal is the best moment of 2018.

“I actually stood up out of my chair and I was gobsmacked,” Pringle said.

“I couldn’t believe that he actually kicked it. You don’t even see it a lot in soccer so for Parker to pull it off in an AFL game makes it all the more special.

“It was a really close game, it was against the odds and I just couldn’t believe he was able to kick it over his head and through the goal.”

The game sat on a knife’s edge as the Swans clung to a 10-point lead with five minutes left on the clock.

Parker’s goal put the Swans 16 points ahead and sealed their first win of the season.

As Sydney turns its attention to its elimination final against GWS, Pringle says the Swans’ barnstorming charge to the finals has them primed for September.

Sydney fell to a fourth defeat in five games in a loss to Essendon in Round 19 to slip from the top eight, but wins over finals contenders Collingwood, Melbourne and GWS would follow as the Swans made a last-ditch effort to save their season.

“I think nailing that tough run home will keep us in good stead,” Pringle said.

“You couldn’t ask for a better draw heading into the finals. They’re all top-quality teams and we’ve beaten three out of four of them, so I really feel like we have a big chance in the finals.”

Swans greats Tony Lockett and Paul Kelly and a love for the colour red ignited Pringle’s passion for the red and white.

The 32-year-old has been a Swans member since 2006 and will be one of thousands at a packed SCG as Sydney takes on GWS next Saturday night.

“I’m pumped for what should be an awesome game,” Pringle said. 

“I’m going to be there with mum and dad and I’m so excited.”