What a difference a year can make in the fortunes of a football team.
This time last year we dragged ourselves down to Canberra to watch a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Adelaide. (Luckily there was a great vodka bar next to our hotel.)
Who could have imagined that 12 months down the track we'd be enjoying our best win ever while Adelaide held tightly to the top of the ladder ? Or that our beloved Mariners would be flourishing under the guiding hand of the very coach that most fans rated as least likely to succeed ?
Saturday's performance against Perth Glory was a triumph, not merely in terms of goals scored but for what it signifies for rest of the Mariners season. If we can play that well after two matches in four weeks, how much more exciting football awaits us in the much busier months ahead ?
It was a sparkling, controlled and sustained performance with McGlinchey the stand out in a superb team effort. But it was the presence of fleet-footed teen sensation Mustafa Amini that had the crowd asking "Patricio who?"
Make no mistake, he was outstanding in the Youth League and he will make major headlines before the season is out. Interviewed at the game, his sister described him as "awesome" and she was absolutely right. Awesome Amini and His Blood Orange Afro (good band name) has become an overnight fan favourite.
How long before we see Amini wigs at the Bluetongue merch stand ? "Go The Fro" T-shirts ? Marvin wearing a giant wig as he boogies down the sidelines ? "Ooh-ah Mustafa, I said ooh-ah Mustafa !"
About the only thing this teenager isn't good for is doing his bit for Movember, a cause to which the entire squad and coaching staff have committed themselves this year. Unsurprising, when you consider Arnie had one of the all-time great football mo's back in the day (plus an excellent 'afro' of his own).
And in the midst of celebrating this greatest ever victory, it's Arnie we need to thank most of all. We need to thank him for being a risk-taker, for giving young players like Amini, Lewis and Ryan a decent chance to prove themselves and not just leaving them propping up the bench. They have repaid his confidence in spades and their enthusiasm and fearlessness has invigorated the entire team.
They may be 'babies' in some people's eyes but it's the teams with fresh young players that are providing maximum entertainment in the A-League right now. If Arnie is the future of Australian coaching then more power to him : we need talented youth to be given real opportunities and coaches who are far-sighted and generous enough to give them the support they need.
Let's be honest, Arnie has brought belief and confidence back to the team and for that we should be eternally grateful. (Yes, even those of us who formerly worshipped at the Church of Lawrie.)
Sure, at the SFS the average age of our players on the park was probably about 20 (you do the maths) but with stalwarts like Wilko (youth plus experience) and Zwaanswijk in the mix it's starting to look like the perfect combination.
Seeing Simon and Kwassie both score again was added enjoyment, proving they both still have what it takes and causing the fan in front of me to rip off his shirt and show off his stylish Mariners tatt (hey, haven't the team already caused you enough pain ?)
At third place on the ladder and with two games in hand, it's hard to remember a time when we were in a stronger position this stage in the season. Even without Perez it seems we have the depth and strength in our squad to take on anyone.
It's more than enough to make me start dreaming...Fury on Friday now looks like a sure thing while I fully expect us to be the first team in living memory to break down Fortress Cake Tin the following week.
"Hey Rucky ! Arnie's boys are coming ! They're gonna make a but of Kiwi hustory !"
Respect to The Cove for putting on the best fan display we've seen all season : Halloween gravestones with hands emerging holding beer glasses and the sign "Dead last - still having a blast!" Fantastic stuff - if only we could clone you guys the A-League would be flourishing.
