But the Jets veteran appeared to enjoy his 80th senior career goal on Saturday night against Melbourne Heart just as much.

The 76th-minute poacher’s grab completed the 3-0 victory for the Jets and broke a 519-day drought for Bridges.

The 33-year-old retired last April to accept a role as international football and business development manager with the Hunter Sports Group after constant knee and ankle injuries restricted him to seven games last season.

Bridges returned to the pitch on December 3 in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory and since then has played a further 10 games and made three starting appearances.

But that comeback goal had eluded him.

‘‘It was a great relief,’’ Bridges said.

‘‘The main thing was the three points obviously.

‘‘I’m not going to kid anybody, to get the goal was the icing on the cake.

‘‘I obviously retired last year and didn’t think this was ever going to happen again.

‘‘To get the duck off my back is absolutely brilliant.’’

Bridges nearly scored again 10 minutes later when he blasted a spectacular looping volley from 30 metres out that was parried away by outstretched Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton.

‘‘It was flying,’’ he said.

‘‘Bolton made a great save and it’s just one of those things.

‘‘I just saw the goal and, like Dutchy has been saying, we’re full of confidence at the moment and we’re shooting from anywhere.

‘‘We’re taking what we do on the training field and emulating that.

‘‘I couldn’t have caught it any sweeter.

‘‘I’ll give credit to Bolton for that one.’’