ONE group of dedicated Central Coast supporters have taken a shine to a particular Mariners defender. Meet the #ZACPAC.
ONE group of dedicated Central Coast supporters have taken a shine to a particular Mariners defender. Meet the ZACPAC – a collective of men and women proud of their passion for Zac Anderson.
The Zacpac emerged, we believe, about half way through last Hyundai A-League season. Tell us what the ZACPAC is all about?
We are a group of Mariners supporters that first noticed Zac-s ability during an Olyroos game against Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium. Zac was a standout performer and showed great composure in defence. When he signed for Mariners we knew we had signed a quality defender. The ZACPAC was officially formed after watching Zac warm up for 89 minutes in the first game – he may have only had three or four minutes on the pitch but it was his passion for the team that we admired. The ZACPAC started then but really hit its stride halfway through the 2012/13 season with some recruitment of other Zac Anderson fans – including a few former Gold Coast United supporters.
Many fans have a favourite player. Why is Zac Anderson the focus for your group?
Zac-s attitude and commitment on and off the pitch embodies what makes our club so great. He gives 100% when playing and like all of the boys, he is happy to stop and say ‘Hi’ to his fans after the game or in the street. The female members within the ZACPAC might give a different answer – they are big fans of his stretching techniques!
Who is involved in the ZACPAC at the moment? How can people follow them on Twitter?
We started small over the past year and started to gain members halfway through the season. The founding members are Michael (@m_poncho), Justin (@theshortbaker), Paul (@moggy18111962), Mitch (@bigmitch85), Luke (@Roebiggs), Ben (@benoss77), Brad (@b_ohara86) and Leigh (@leighdoran). We have had additional members join our fan base and our most recent joined a week ago with our youngest member, baby Coby Baker.
Can people join the ZACPAC?
The ZACPAC is actively recruiting members for season 2013/14, get on board through Twitter and show your passion for Zac and the Mariners. Follow us @ZACPAC__ and use the official hash tag #ZACPAC to join our conversations.
Where are the ZACPAC located in the Stadium on matchdays, and does the group get together pre-match?
The ZACPAC can be located in the north eastern corner of Bluetongue in Bay 22 down near the corner post. Once a year we go corporate and hire a box to enjoy the game in style. Pre-match you will find us sharing a drink and a laugh in the Kendall Bar (Central Coast Leagues Club).
We saw quite a bit of Zac Anderson in the yellow and navy this season, both in the Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League. With Patrick Zwaanswijk hanging up the boots, the opportunity is there for Zac to be one of the first names on the team sheet next season…
Next season will be the biggest yet for Zac, with Patrick retiring. It was evident last season how much Zac improved under the guidance of Patrick and we believe the best is yet to come. This year to show our support, the ZACPAC are planning a few away trips with Perth, Brisbane and possibly Wellington on the cards.
How awesome is it that Zac Anderson combines high level, full time professional football with a part-time law degree?
It is impressive that a footballer has the drive to complete such a demanding degree whilst juggling the commitments of pro football. Most players will look for a post football career within the sport or in the media and stick to what they know. Hopefully Zac’s law degree won’t suffer too much with the amount of football he will see next year with the Mariners in the Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League.
Had any love from Zac for the Pac?
Zac has been great to us on and off the pitch. A couple of examples are after the first draw in the ACL with Suwon, Zac made the effort to come over to our corner and say ‘Hi’ and show his appreciation. Zac has also been involved on Twitter and also offered congratulations to our newest member of the ZACPAC. Our favourite photo (see below) was captured by Fox Sports at the last home game of the ACL when Zac came over to say thanks for the support.
