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Central Coast are confident they can be an A-League finals force without their former star midfielder Mile Jedinak, despite having lost every game since he left the club.
The Mariners managed to hold on to fourth spot to reach their third finals series in four years, but only just, after losing their last three matches of the regular season.
The poor run of form has coincided with the departure of Jedinak to Turkish giants Genclerbirligi at the start of 2009 but the Mariners are remaining positive heading into Friday night’s minor semi-final first leg against Queensland at Bluetongue Stadium.
Coach Lawrie McKinna denied his side still faced a mental challenge to overcome the loss of Jedinak, believing his side has never been a team to rely on individuals.
“It’s not a mental thing that he’s gone for us, nothing to do with that, it’s just a fact that he was probably our best player,” McKinna said of losing Jedinak.
“He’s a full international Socceroo and he’s gone and he’s a big gap to fill.
“It’s ‘life after Mile’ for us and we just have to make do and get other options and things that will work for us.
“We’ve never been a team of individuals and I think that’s why we’ll get over the Mile thing.
“Everybody just needs to pick up a wee bit and we’ll cover for Mile with passion, hunger and workmanship.”
Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson agreed, saying the side’s past three losses had nothing to do with Jedinak’s departure.
“I don’t think Mile could have done much about that goals we’ve conceded or that he could have changed the results we’ve been having,” Wilkinson said of the consecutive losses to Adelaide, Queensland and Melbourne.
“Obviously he’s a great player and it’s unfortunate we’ve had to lose him but they boys that have come in have done a great job and I’m more than confident they can do the job in the finals and get us the big one.”
Wilkinson joined the growing contingent of A-League stars being targeted by cashed-up clubs within Asia, after reportedly receiving an offer from a Korean side last week but the defender reaffirmed his commitment to the Mariners.
“I’m staying put, I’ve got the finals at the moment and I’m then I’m looking forward to the ACL … I’m really looking forward to the next six months,” Wilkinson said.
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