Central Coast Mariners are finally back at Our Paradise, hosting an eagerly anticipated F3 Derby Double Header on Saturday, sponsored by Polytec.
It has been over a month since the last A-League action at Industree Group Stadium, our epic New Years’ Eve Double Header, but the Mariners are back with a bang this weekend with one of, if not the standout fixture(s) on the calendar.
This one is not to be missed, as the Mariners host our fiercest rivals from up the highway, not once, but twice. Here’s all you need to know on what is sure to be a special day under the palm trees.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HERITAGE ROUND
What’s on?
As if the Derby Double Header wasn’t enough to make Heritage Round unmissable, our usual action around the ground including food trucks and inflatable games will be elevated even further by special celebrations and activities.
This week’s lucky local club are Southern Ettalong United FC, who will be taking part in the Mini Mariners March ahead of warm up as well as Half Time Heroes, which won’t be the only half time entertainment…
Look out for your favourite ex-Mariners players, with a number of Mariners Alumni invited as special guests for this F3 Derby as we celebrate our 20 Season Milestone.
Continuing the theme of celebrating heroes of the past on the day, the highly anticipated Mariners 20 Final Selection is to be announced in stadium at 7:15pm. Additionally, one Mariners legend will receive a special award at 6:45pm.
Be a part of a special day, and look the part by getting your Heritage Round Merchandise, a brand new range dropping exclusively at the Stadium!
Dress to impress in our new Heritage Range
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) February 1, 2025
Stadium exclusive, get yours at today's F3 Derby Double Header!pic.twitter.com/QHWPUf3QvT
4:50pm – Ninja A-League
Emily Husband’s side are looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season, as they aim to take a firm hold of a top six spot, against a Newcastle side currently sitting 10th.
Last time out, the Mariners secured a 1-0 win over Wellington thanks to Tiana Fuller’s long range strike at our home away from home, Woy Woy Oval, whilst the Jets drew 2-2 at home to Canberra, making it seven games without a win for them.
The last time Newcastle visited Industree Group Stadium was in Round 1 last season, when they spoiled the party in the Mariners’ return fixture with a 1-0 win, so Husband’s team will be keen to take all three points at home this time around.
The key to success so far this season for the Mariners has been a solid backline, with Sarah Langman joint-second in the league for clean sheets.
Jessika Nash has also been a standout performer, playing every single minute so far in the defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the league (12).
The Newcastle forward line looking to break down that Mariners defence, will be without the help of striker Sheridan Gallagher who serves a suspension after seeing red last week for two rash yellow card challenges.
7:35pm – Isuzu UTE A-League
Mark Jackson’s team then take centre stage, looking to continue a streak of six consecutive wins against Newcastle, which is our current best against any A-League opposition and an F3 Derby record.
Since taking over, Jacko has led the Mariners to four wins out of four against the Jets, with a 3-1 win in November 2023 a particularly fond memory, not only the Englishman’s first A-League win in charge of the club, but the result which kickstarted our charge to the treble.
The two sides last met in Round Five this season at Unite Round, with the Mariners coming from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to a Brian Kaltak header and an Aleksandar Šušnjar own goal.
That win means that with another triumph over the Jets this weekend, the Mariners will lift the infamous F3 Derby Trophy in front of our own supporters.
11th placed Newcastle come into the game off the back of a draw with Perth last weekend, whilst the Mariners made it three matches unbeaten with a 2-2 draw in Western on Wednesday evening.
Emily Husband: “There’s more on the line than a regular game”
Emily spoke about last weekend’s win in Woy Woy, what she expects from Newcastle and how excited the team are to be back at Our Paradise.
Visit the Central Coast Mariners YouTube Channel to also hear from Mariners defender Sarah Rowe, who is raring to go ahead of her first F3 Derby.
Mark Jackson “Derbies are about passion, fight, tackles and aggression”
There was plenty for Jacko to discuss in his pre-match press conference. From disappointment after drawing with Western and preparation for a fiery F3 Derby, to an insightful visit to Melbourne Storm’s high-performing training facilities this week.
Visit the Central Coast Mariners YouTube Channel to also hear from Mariners’ newest recruit Abdul Faisal, who explained how well he is settling in to life on the Coast and how he can’t wait for his first home match and F3 Derby.
