May 2013 Cover Story

Allianz Stadium reminded us more of Rome’s famous Colosseum such was the fervour, colour and constant sound of one of the most powerful ‘off-field’ crowds ever witnessed at any Australian venue. At times it appeared the Central Coast was the proverbial needle in a haystack such was the dominance of the red and black from a visual and noise perspective.

But for all the off-field dominance it was countered by a magnificent 94 minute performance by the men in yellow and navy. The power and accuracy of Patrick Zwaanswijk’s header, the bullet like and net-stretching penalty by Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen reflected the class, finesse, power, strength, commitment and sheer will power of this Central Coast Mariners team. Age knew no barrier this day, as the elder statesman of the Mariners not only stood tall but ran, charged and dictated terms. This was a team who acted as one, who understood what they wanted to achieve and under the guidance and tutelage of Manager Graham Arnold and his staff, their mind-set was impenetrable.

Now that’s a brief on the footy side of things but what about the performance of the Club itself? Stretched to breaking point financially, the heartache of losing 3 previous tilts at the grand final, the loss of Tommy Rogic, the constant talk of take-overs and new ownership and the uncertainty of the Centre of Excellence were not back of mind, but rather front of mind. The pressure on resources was extreme and yet Arnie and his staff didn’t so much revel in the circumstances they used it to mould and form a powerful and unified team. It was one in all in and to the Club’s credit the media and public alike were not over loaded with soul destroying stories and endless excuses although the Russian investment was wearing a bit thin. No, nothing was going to stop this team from achieving the ultimate prize.

The Mariners are not just a sporting team, they are a business, and for the best part, as proven in the Grand Final, a successful business. The record books accord them the distinction of being the most successful team in the A-League since its inception 8 years ago and yet the numbers should tell us a different story. The Mariners have the lowest salary cap, the smallest population base, no daily print media, no recognised marquee player [the Wanderers had four] and very few national based companies to call upon.

The Central Coast needs the Mariners and the Mariners need the business community to back them. They are our only national sporting team and as of Sunday 21 April they are CHAMPIONS OF AUSTRALIA! Let’s hope Masterfoods, Primo, Ausgrid, North, Soccer 5’s and Kappa all extend their agreements with the Aussie Champions. We need them too. The challenge is for the rest of us to get involved! Wyong Shire Council and Newcastle Permanent are amongst others who said yes. Yes, winning the title was special, but let’s not go into hibernation now we have won it – let’s get vocal and let’s back the Mariners. Can you tell me the last time you witnessed a truly unified Central Coast? The Central Coast Mariners are more than a football team they have taken brand ‘Central Coast’ to all corners of the globe, in particular East Asia. Fresh from victory against Suwon Bluewings in Korea Republic the Mariners should be regarded as our key tourism marketing tool. Who else can market the Coast to such a worldwide audience and with such consistency?

The Mariners may be small when compared to other A-League Clubs but they are ten times extra large if you take into account heart and soul. And it appears the Club is in good hands, new owner Mike Charlesworth has already upped the ante declaring “This isn’t a NRL town anymore.” Based on that statement, Charlesworth and his team will work their proverbial off to turn the Coast into a sea of yellow and navy.

This fairytale was built on perseverance, a culture of excellence and hard work. Congratulations to TEAM Central Coast Mariners.

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