Grand Final Preview: Mariners chasing historic treble

Central Coast Mariners take on Melbourne Victory in the 23/24 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final on Saturday evening.

Our Paradise is SOLD OUT for the second week in a row, as we host the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final for the very first time in Gosford.

No matter the outcome, this is a historic event and this has been an iconic season for the Central Coast Mariners, but the players are fully focussed on sealing an unprecedented treble and making lifelong memories for our home fans.

Read more: Danny Vukovic: “We have to be at our best” with history on the line
Read more: Ryan Edmondson on Grand Final preparations and our ’12th man’

Team news

Mark Jackson names an unchanged starting eleven and bench from our second-leg with Sydney FC.

Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have made it to their seventh Grand Final, from which they have won four, but this is their first Grand Final in six years. They are second in the A-League records for most Grand Finals made and won, but have only lifted one of those outside of Victoria.

Tony Popovic’s headline inclusion is the return of Zinedine Machach after he missed both legs over Wellington Phoenix through suspension.

Head to Head

Two of the best defences in the league go head to head, the Mariners especially showing their best defensive capabilities last time out, making a clean sheet against Sydney.

Read more: Defensive Masterclass: The stats behind our semi-final success

Another close contest is expected as three meetings between the two teams this season has seen just a one goal difference in the Mariners favour.

There was a 2-2 draw at Our Paradise in December, before Jing Reec scored a dramatic late equaliser at Unite Round. The most recent meeting saw the Mariners end an AAMI Park hoodoo thanks to a Ryan Teague own goal.

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