This could only happen in Australia.
What other sporting nation would create a men’s Championship Trophy that looks like a metallic toilet seat? Probably none. It is a uniquely Antipodean endeavour, probably misunderstood by overseas fans, but cherished by A-League supporters.
Now Australian football has brazenly exceeded itself by releasing a new prize, celebrating the women’s F3 Derby.
Almost a year after the Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets men started playing for a trophy made up of a core drill sample of the M1 Motorway (formerly known as the F3, the highway connecting the two regions) it was announced that the women would play for a shiny guardrail.
Yes, a sliced portion of polished fence that was once used on the Motorway.
Talk about cultural cringe. As TV’s Kath & Kim would drolly say: “It’s nice, it’s different, it’s unusual.”
The silvery-looking award will be on hand to commemorate the rivalry between the Mariners and Jets in the standalone women’s round to kick off the season.
CEO of the Mariners Shaun Mielekamp notes that “The F3 Derby holds a special place in A-League folklore” – and he is not kidding.
The myth of both teams loathing each other is more than just stuff of legend. If you want proof, scroll through the Mariner’s fan forums, and you will discover a decade’s worth of wild conspiracy theories aimed squarely at the Jets.
To some Yellow and Blue diehards, a distance of over 90 kilometres between Industree Group Stadium and McDonald Jones Stadium is not far enough.
This new silverware is part of a new best-of-two series, taking into account goal difference, including precious away goals, especially if each side wins one game each.
It will add extra pressure on the Mariners strikers, including Chinese international, Wurigumula. Having only been signed in late September, the forward has limited time to prove her worth.
The 27-year-old goal scorer is a genuine threat, famously representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics. As of last week, Wurigumula had a 45-minute spell in the Asian Games, with China beating Uzbekistan 7-0.
After a lengthy break from the women’s league due to funding concerns, the Mariners finally return to the big time, playing 22 regular season matches, which is internationally standard.
The first week of the season is also special, as it is a standalone round, squarely putting the attention solely on the Liberty A-League. Surprisingly, a total of 14 World Cup stars have also been named to play.
As an extra incentive to watch history being made, all children 16 or under can enter matches for free, providing they have a Liberty A-League Pass.
So, the future of Australian football looks bright and shiny – for the Mariners, the girls will be hoping it is a sterling prized piece of barrier, taken from the side of the fabled road.
AR
Roar Rookie
Has all humour been lost in sport these days?? I think the trophy is great. Clearly a wink and a bit of a giggle.
Garry
Roar Rookie
If Tobin's out Roar might be tricky next week. She's always been the glue in the defence with no obvious replacement. I thought Tumerah was the best player last week until she took the job then started to flag it.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Plus, Sydney FC (women’s) will be playing a few games at Olympic Park, which is a great deal west of Moore Park. However, that enables a whole bunch of new fans to experience the Sky Blues. It also sneakily pushes into WSW territory as well.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Cracker highlights of the CCM keeper stopping two shoots in a few brief moments. Pitty about the two red cards though. Things got spicy.
Brendan
Roar Pro
There’s a clip somewhere on the Internet, where some former players are reminiscing about training on a field near a burnt-out car (or something similar).
Garry
Roar Rookie
Pretty sure theyre allowed but probably given extra time to establish it, I quote from Macarthur FC chief executive Sam Krslovic “The Academy also represents a significant step in investment in women’s football from the club and the start of our journey towards establishing our own Liberty A-League women’s team.””
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Does anyone know why MacArthur don’t have/are allowed to not have a women’s team?
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Around 25,000 in total attendance for Round 1 of the A-League Women. Smashed the old record of 15,000. Fantastic! Will probably drop off a lot this weekend without the Sydney Derby and with the A-League men’s competition starting but still a great outcome. Well done!
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I remember some story they had a tent as the dressing room and the players had to pay for their own massesuse. Where did they train initially before the center of excellence at Tuggerah was it close to Terrigal as now they are 20k away.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The Matildas home looks a bit dodgy where was that money spent? The dont even have a hill around the ground. 800 seats , 3000 capacity. That would be outdone by NPL teams. Adelaide Canberra 4-4 draw lot of late drama even after 5min stoppage time equaliser they had time for Canberra to score but ruled off offside. Last minute Panagaris has an unmarked player center of the top of the area, and elects for a hail mary shot from the side. Melbourne Victory they have spent a lot of money only to lose, its like their mens team though dodgy offside decision.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I hope so and don’t want to be a pessimist, but 12000 crowds won’t continue. If they can aim for and achieve a regular 5000 - that would be a great result.
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Women’s World Cup momentum! Fingers crossed this is maintained for the whole season!
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The big feature of the M3 derby was the rocket boot of Courtney Newbon the CCM fill in goal keeper. Putting on weight has never looked so good since Rakheem Cornwall came on the scene. She could be a rugby prop and find 60 meters down the touchline.
Grem
Roar Rookie
And the way they filled the stadium. 12000 felt like more. It was a really good experience last night.
chris1
Roar Rookie
It really is a fantastic ground to watch football.
Grem
Roar Rookie
It looked more, it sounded great and the amount of young boys and girls waiting for autographs was amazing.
Brendan
Roar Pro
11,471 people at the Sydney Derby. Incredible.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Apart from a few bad years, Central Coast has generally been a strong club. I look forward to my drive up again this year.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Cheers, Grem. I’m glad you enjoyed the journey north. The Central Coast is a hidden gem. To potential players, it might even be a lifestyle choice, hooking them into the community club. Saying that, I recall a few old rumours, about old-school players being seduced by the amber ale of Terrigal, right after training. It’s a fine balancing act.
Grem
Roar Rookie
The Central Coast is certainly a unique club and at its best - what a special community club. I’ve driven up for Sydney FC v Mariners games and I love lunch at the club across the road, the band, the sauce bottles, the family feel and this trophy. They are indeed a special club.