The 2014/15 season was one of transition for the Yellow and Navy, however there were a number of moments that stood out and put a smile on the face of our Members and supporters. Over the next few days, we’ll be looking back on those stand-out moments throughout our tenth Hyundai A-League campaign.
In part one, we take a look back at the breakout year of Anthony Caceres.
Since signing with the Mariners in 2012 after impressing in the Foxtel National Youth League, Anthony Caceres has always been flagged as one to keep your eye on. In his third year with the Mariners senior squad, the 22-year-old showed us why.
Throughout Season 10, Caceres blossomed into the footballer he always had the potential to be. His dazzling footwork, slicing runs and precision passing all earned him many plaudits, including the prestigious 2014/15 Mariners Medal.
One of the key areas in which ‘Cass’ excelled was in his passing game. Not only did he gather plenty of the ball in 2014/15, averaging just over 42 passes game, he was also highly effective in hitting his targets with an 89% pass accuracy.
Looking back on 2014/15, one of the nights on which Caceres shone was February’s 2015 AFC Champions League Qualifier against Guangzhou R & F. While the result was a disappointing one for the yellow and navy, Caceres put in a quality performance against the well-drilled Chinese outfit and was one of our best on the night.
Toward the back-end of the season, Caceres was also one of the main beneficiaries of the “licence to thrill” granted by Tony Walmsley. With the ball at his feet, Caceres always looked dangerous and gelled quickly with mid-season recruit Fabio Ferreira in attacking midfield. Even off the ball, Caceres was still a threat, constantly niggling the opposing sides’ ball carrier with pressure in our front half.
That tactic paid off in only Walmsley’s second game in charge against Adelaide United in March at Coopers Stadium. Caceres forced a turnover from Dylan McGowan in a dangerous spot and struck from 20 yards out, nailing his solitary goal for the 2014/15 campaign.
Caceres went on to rightfully etch his name into the record books alongside the likes of Mat Ryan and Mile Jedinak with his Mariners Medal win, and undoubtedly will be amongst the first names picked when the Central Coast Mariners line up for Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Season.
Caceres is IN – Are You IN? Memberships for the Central Coast Mariners Hyundai A-League 2015/16 campaign are on sale to the general public on Friday July 3. Click here to register your interest!
Existing Members currently have an exclusive period to renew their membership now until Friday June 26. For more information call Mariners HQ on 1300 767 442.
