Central Coast Mariners striker Nik Mrdja may finally make an appearance in a yellow and navy shirt in his hometown when the Mariners travel to Perth for Saturday’s Hyundai A-League match up against the Perth Glory.
Central Coast Mariners striker Nik Mrdja may finally make an appearance in a yellow and navy shirt in his hometown when the Mariners travel to Perth for Saturday-s Hyundai A-League match up against the Perth Glory.
Mrdja-s wretched luck in terms of injury has restricted the foundation Mariners player to only 15 Hyundai A-League appearances across four seasons – not one of which has been made in the Western Australian capital, which is where Mrdja first came to prominence before linking with the yellow and navy.
Mrdja scored the last ever National Soccer League (NSL) goal in Glory colours, which was one of 25 the Qantas Socceroo slotted in 73 NSL appearances for his hometown club.
“I-m looking forward to it as I haven-t played there before,” said Mrdja.
“It-ll be good to get back to my old stomping ground, have a chat to the boys and have a kick around there.
“Perth is always a hard place to go to and to try and get a result, the travel catches up with you, but I-m looking forward to getting down there, having a laugh and having a kick with the boys.”
Mrdja has showcased glimpses of returning to his best form in recent times – firstly slotting the Mariners- second goal against Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium three weeks ago before adding another in the National Youth League last Saturday.
Despite making the least amount of competitive appearances (31) of any foundation Mariners player, Mrdja has scored the most goals (12), which exemplifies the value the 29-year-old adds to the Central Coast front line.
With strike partners Dylan Macallister, Sasho Petrovski and Matt Simon is such scintillating form, the pressure on Mrdja to deliver is not nearly as intense as previous years and the Australian senior international is relishing his slightly diminished role.
“I-m slowly getting there, slowly but surely is the main thing,” said Mrdja.
“As long as my knee is right, I-ll get there eventually.”
The Mariners- Hyundai A-League campaign continues on Saturday, 29 November when they travel to Members Equity Stadium to face the Perth Glory. Kick off is at 8pm AEDT.
The Mariners are next at their Bluetongue Stadium home on Saturday, 6 December when they host the Queensland Roar in Round 14. Kick off is at 6pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
