Central Coast local heroes the Mariners – the team with the smallest budget in the A-League – has climbed the ultimate mountain and humbled Melbourne City, the richest team in the comp, with a stunning six goals to one victory at CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney.
Read that scoreline again – Melbourne City 1 Central Coast Mariners 6. It was a Grand Final triumph for the ages and only the Coast’s second ever A-League title.
As captain Danny Vukovic hoisted the A-League trophy above his head in front of his players and key staff at CommBank Stadium post game, the thousands of passionate Central Coast locals who had made the trip to Parramatta erupted in celebration.
After years of struggle, during which the Mariners collected three wooden spoons in a row, a wave of Navy and Yellow had rolled down the M1 and filled every vantage point of CommBank Stadium. Indeed, it felt like a Mariners home game such was the sea of support.
The official Grand Final crowd was 26,523 and a large percentage was cheering for the mighty Mariners.
Coach Nick Montgomery went on stage to collect his Championship Medal with his young daughters. Hard-working CEO Shaun Mielekamp was close to tears. Chairman Richard Peil rushed down to the ground to celebrate with the players. Scenes of joy were everywhere among the Mariners faithful.
The Mariners led 1-0 and then 2-0 to send the Mariners faithful into raptures, before City pulled a goal back and looked threatening by halftime.
The game turned with the appearance of young Central Coast left back Jacob Farrell, born and bred on the Coast and a product of the Mariners Junior Academy.
And what of Cummings, 27, whose career was resurrected by coach Montgomery after he was shown the door by his Scottish club last season.
Cummings scored a Grand Final hat-trick and earned the Joe Marston Medal as best player on the field. For now, it will be the last time we see J Cummings in a Mariners jersey as he has signed a rich deal with Indian club Mohun Bagan, but what a way to go out! He is forever a Mariner.
The entire nation of Vanuatu was cheering for the Central Coast, with right back Brian Kaltak a star in Mariners colours this season and again in the Grand Final last night.
The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Ishmael Kalsakau flew to Sydney specifically to watch their nation’s hero play for the Mariners in the decider.
Sixteen buses had brought Central Coast Mariners fans to the Grand Final and as the made their way back home late on Saturday night, there were joyous scenes posted on social media.
Celebrations were already underway in Gosford and in Central Coast communities . . . and they will continue long and hard at least for Sunday.
The Central Coast Mariners . . . A-League Champions. It has a nice ring to it. Fans can look forward to seeing their heroes back at their spiritual home Industree Group Stadium soon.
