THE Central Coast Mariners had the meanest defence in the Hyundai A-League last campaign, conceding only 24 goals throughout the regular season.
THE Central Coast Mariners had the meanest defence in the Hyundai A-League last campaign, conceding only 24 goals throughout the regular season.
Coach Graham Arnold-s focus on defence has been instilled into his players since he arrived in 2010, and it paid dividends last term with the Mariners conceding four less goals than their closest rivals in the race for the Premiers- Plate, Brisbane Roar.
The Mariners re-signed central defender Patrick Zwaanswijk to a one-year deal during the close season, and the Dutchman will be tasked with leading the defensive line this season with former captain Alex Wilkinson now in Korea with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC.
37-year-old Zwaanswijk is regarded as one of the Hyundai A-League-s best defenders, and one of the competition-s best ever foreign imports.
One possible replacement for Wilkinson is new recruit Zac Anderson. Anderson penned a two-season deal from Gold Coast United in May and has been earmarked as a potential Qantas Socceroo of the future.
With the likes of Pedj Bojic, Joshua Rose, Trent Sainsbury, Brent Griffiths and James Oates in defence, not to mention Mat Ryan or Justin Pasfield between the posts, the Mariners possess many strong options to fill their defence.
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