The Central Coast Mariners are delighted to announce the appointment of Dean Heffernan as Head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners Women’s team, with Oliver Bozanic returning to the club for his second season as Assistant Coach.
The appointment marks a homecoming for Heffernan, who has a long and proud history with the Mariners, having represented the club from 2005 to 2010.
A key member of the Mariners’ early A-League era, Heffernan enjoyed a distinguished playing career on the Central Coast, including being part of the Mariners’ 2007–08 Premiership-winning side as well as earning international honours with the Socceroos.
Heffernan has also established himself as an accomplished coach in the women’s game. He took charge of Western Sydney Wanderers’ W-League team in 2019, and in his first season led the club to a historic first-ever Finals Series appearance, with the Wanderers finishing fourth before progressing to the semi-finals.
This achievement saw Heffernan deliver the Wanderwomen their first taste of finals football, further establishing his credentials as a coach at the highest level of the domestic women’s game.
Now returning to the club where his professional playing career began, Heffernan brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, a strong understanding of the game and a deep connection to the Central Coast.
His appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Mariners Women as the club looks to build a strong culture, develop players and compete at the highest level.
“It’s a major coup to have Dean back. We are trying incredibly hard to ensure the Mariners Women’s team is a team that the whole Central Coast community can get behind and support” said the Club’s new Director of Women’s Football Matteo Maiorana.
“Having someone who is so deeply embedded in the fabric of the club, who knows what wearing that Yellow and Blue jersey means, was integral as we establish the team within our new ownership structure.
Putting aside his history with the club, Heff is a fantastic coach.
From the moment we first connected, we quickly established that we were on the same page with the type of football we wanted the team to play and, most importantly, the type of player we wanted representing the club.”
Dean added, “it’s a very proud moment to be back coaching at the Mariners.”
“I had some of the best years of my playing career here, and I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to create some special memories again – this time as a coach.
I saw the incredible response from the Central Coast community when the future of the women’s program was uncertain. Now, that future is clear with the support of HBG, we want to build something the whole Coast can get behind.
We need your support more than ever. Together, we can create a team, a program and a culture that the Central Coast can be truly proud of, and we can’t wait to get started.”.
Joining Heffernan on the coaching staff will be Oli Bozanic, who returns to the Mariners for his second season in an assistant coaching role.
Bozanic is another player with a deep connection to the club and the Central Coast. A former Mariners captain, Bozanic made more than 100 A-League appearances for the club, winning the 2012–13 A-League Championship and playing a leading role in some of the most memorable moments in Mariners history.
His transition into coaching provides the Women’s program with an experienced football mind, strong leadership qualities and someone who understands exactly what it means to represent the Mariners.
“We are incredibly excited to be able to bring Oli back. He was instrumental in keeping the group engaged during the ownership talks, and his knowledge of the group has been integral as we look to finalise our squad for the upcoming season.” – Matteo Maiorana
“I’m very proud and excited that not only do we have two wonderful coaches with great football minds and pedigree, but more importantly, two coaches who know the club intimately. It’s exciting to see how driven and fully focused both are on ensuring we put a team together that can compete at the highest level and make the people of the Central Coast and beyond proud.”
Together, Heffernan and Bozanic bring an exciting combination of coaching experience, playing pedigree and a genuine connection to the club as the Mariners Women enter their next chapter.
Welcome home, Dean, and welcome back, Oli. We look forward to seeing you lead the Mariners Women into an exciting new era.
Jot it down in your calendars – your Mariners girls are BACK. Our @aleaguewomen 2026/27 fixtures are here!
— Central Coast Mariners Women (@ccmarinersw) August 20, 2026
We can't wait to see you back at polytec Stadium from October 24th, Mariners fans, but between now and then we've got so much exciting news for you. Stay tuned đź’›#CCMFC pic.twitter.com/eLz1RcFFhd
