After attending the the Central Coast Mariners versus Western Sydney Wanderers water polo game last Saturday Night, I have finally come to the conclusion that after years of disappointment, the Mariners can win a grand final.
And it will be this year.
Their domination of the two teams closest to them, the Wanderers and the Melbourne Victory (even after the loss on Saturday night), gave me enough confidence in their abilities.
They may not win the Premiers Plate, however, as this is now the Wanderers’ to lose.
But the Mariners standard of football at the moment is producing numerous chances in front of goal and it’s only a matter of time before they start converting again.
That may well start this weekend against a hapless Sydney FC.
With the last up 1-0 loss to Sydney FC still fresh in their minds, the Mariners will be in no mood to let the pressure of the Wanders get to them.
I cannot see a desperate Sydney FC out gunning the Mariners once again while they are in this vein of form.
This prediction may fall flat on it’s face, but I think Graham Arnold’s charges may well yet have the final word in this competition.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A thought that can only be answered after the Grand Final.
WSW77
Guest
It's a strange thing some Clubs overcome it some just keep loosing in the wrong moments. My Benfica has made 7 Champions League Finals and only have won 2. That's not counting the UEFA Cup final again lost. After Béla Guttmann the coach that led Benfica to their European Cup Wins left, he declared that Benfica would never win the CL without him, 6 Finals later we have never won again. Dammmmmmmmm it!
Lancey5times
Guest
You seem to know something we don't. Wanderers already in the GF?
Ballymore
Guest
I'm a tipping a trophyless campaign for the Gosford club. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Mr Celery
Guest
I'm not so sure either. To do it they will have to lose their 'chokers' tag. And as was confirmed again last weekend, in the really big matches, the Mariners do have a habit of faltering. Sure, the Mariners were far the better quality team on the park for 99.9% of the match against WSW. But in the end they choked. Again. I hate it. But you can't change history. However, I hope we can change the future and bring home both the Premiership (nothing minor about it) and the Championship.
Midfielder
Guest
Hope you are right .... BUT I think winning the 27 round competition is the higher achievement ... and as you said that is for the Centre Link Drive Byes to loose...
Cyni Cal
Roar Rookie
Not so sure. Regardless of how the do in the regular season they will have to play the Grand Final in Sydney in front of a minimum of 40,000 Red and Black wearing fans. It's pretty unfair, the Mariners should be allowed to play the final at home if they earn the right (or at least move it to the larger Newcastle Stadium). But the reality is if the final is in Sydney then the Wanderers have to be heavy favorites.
striker
Guest
If anyone deserves a grand final win after 8 years of the A-League it has to be central coast it would be a great thing for the club and region and i think this year they look very strong.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I believe they can do it, but it will ultimately come down to their mental agility to cope in pressure situations.
Lancey5times
Guest
I really hope you're right. The brand of football they are playing certainly gives them every chance. As a Mariners fan I'm obviously biased but with the depth we have and the consistency we have always shown a 1st GF win could open the floodgates