While they’re busy preparing for Monday’s vitally important Hyundai A-League clash against Sydney FC, some Central Coast Mariners stars have added some extra spice to training this week.
While they-re busy preparing for Monday-s vitally important Hyundai A-League clash against Sydney FC, some Central Coast Mariners stars have added some extra spice to training this week.
Born and raised in Victoria-s Gippsland region, Central Coast Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson is a passionate Melbourne Storm fan, and has been busy this week talking up his teams chances in the NRL Grand Final to anyone who will listen, but in particular, die hard Eels supporters Ahmad Elrich and rookie goalkeeper Matthew Ryan.
“They-ve been there the last three years now and there-s no way we can-t win it this year after losing to Manly last year,” Hutchinson said.
“Ahmad and I have had plenty of banter this week, but I-ll be the one dishing it out after Sunday night!
“I-ve had a few friendly bets with some mates too, so it-ll be pretty costly if the Storm don-t win, but I reckon I-ll be OK,” Hutchinson said.
But the boys in the blue and gold camp are equally confident about their team-s chances.
“A few people in my family are Bulldogs fans, so it was great to beat them last week, and I-ve been waiting a few years for this, so I can-t wait to give it to Hutch when we win,” said Elrich.
While the friendly banter has broken up another solid week on the training ground, all the focus will be on Monday-s crucial clash at the Sydney Football Stadium, which could potentially see the Mariners move to the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder, should they win, and other results go their way.
Brad Porter has been recalled to the Mariners squad after missing the trip to Wellington with a thigh strain, while Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna will finalise his squad following a team familiarisation session at the SFS on Sunday.
The two sides have already clashed once this season, playing out an entertaining yet scoreless draw in Round three at Bluetongue Stadium, and the Mariners will head into Monday-s match with plenty of confidence, having conceded just four goals throughout their opening eight matches.
The Mariners next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against North Queensland Fury on Sunday, 11 October. Kick-off is at 3:00pm. Tickets for this match are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
