After what can only be described as the worst work in the A-League’s history, the focus finally returns to the field this afternoon with Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory vying for the right to meet Brisbane in next week’s grand final. Join us for live scores and blog from 5.00pm AEST.
After being the best side in the competition for the majority of the home and away season, the Mariners now find themselves in a sudden-death situation this evening.
Lose, and the dream of that elusive A-League Championship fades into the distance for yet another year.
And while the history books certainly favour the side who finishes top two in this fixture, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Mariners might not have it all their own way tonight.
Since the turn of the year, Perth have been close to the most consistent team in the competition and following two home wins in the first two weeks of the finals, they travel east bursting with the confidence to win this one.
For his side to win tonight, Graham Arnold must find a way to plug the gap in the middle of the park that has been left since the departure of Rostyn Griffiths to China.
Steven McGarry, Liam Miller and Jacob Burns are experienced, hardened professionals and if they are allowed to dictate terms in the midfield they’ll be difficult to stop.
It’s an evenly-matched contest and for all fans of the A-League and Australian football in general, it would be wonderful to see a great final in front of a solid crowd at Bluetongue.
It’s time for the focus to return to the pitch. It’s sudden death A-League football, and we’ll be covering the match from start to finish with minute by minute observations from 5.00pm AEST. If you’re watching, listening or following along, let us know your thoughts in the space below.
Roarsome
Guest
Vukovic should be pleased with the 40,000+ tickets that were sold before the Roar even knew their opponents. Somehow I think much of the crowd will be focused on Burns. Should be a great final! Given the Mariners have struggled with the ACL and A-League commitments this year, I wonder how they'll go next season, especially I rumors are true an GA heads to Sydney. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Roarsome
Guest
So Nathan, when's your flight? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Axelv
Guest
Bitter that Perth out classed the Heart eh? ;)
Ras
Guest
Vukovic had a comment through the week about how he felt Bluetongue was the easiest stadium to play due to the crowd being quiet and CCM not having that strong a supporter base. As he is an ex-mariner it cut a lot of the fan base quite a bit, so he copped some flack for it.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Well done Glory, Mariners just can never do it when it matters most..
Stevo
Roar Rookie
It's OK, your reply is symptomatic from someone on a temporary high who'll be feeling the thud of the earth very soon - but enjoy the moment and good luck next week anyway! Looking forward to the entertainment.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Ah, it's a new dawn, Whites :D
Nathan of Perth
Guest
No one, absolutely no one, complains like GA.
Whites
Guest
Yes. I have fond memories.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Nice, haha
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Raw, smacking, goodness stevo, put down the erotica :D
Megan raadsma
Guest
I agree What were they thinking Most annoying is that we have no recourse. Fox seems to be able to do whatever they want.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Penalties have almost never been our friend, so rapt with the result!
Titus
Guest
Watched 7 of the best penalties ever (including one from the goalie), thought, this could go all night, better get another beer, came back 1 minute later and Perth were rolling on the ground. Well in Glory!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yes your days are numbered. Raw to smack ur butts next week - this is fact :)
Whites
Guest
You just wait. One day the Wolves will rise. Winter is coming.
pete4
Guest
+ 1
Nathan of Perth
Guest
People say our days are numbered That we're not famous anymore But we will rule this country like we always have before! Oooooh, Campione! The one and only! The Perth Glory!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Football treated as a second rate citizen by Foxtel! Bad, bad form. Put the effin AFL on a RED button on the AFL channel. Will the AFL take over the Grand Final next week?
haydos
Guest
UNBELIEVABLE!! GLORY INTO THE GRAND FINAL!!!!!!! ") (i agree on the red button thing, i couldnt watch it with the foxtel running through the hotel tv!!)