THERE’S a lot of Man Love wafting around the Mariners’ camp right now.

And why shouldn't there be ? Nine goals in two games is something to get very excited about - and if that involves a lot of physical affection on or off the pitch, all the better.

You could feel the love even before the match started, when the camera caught an adorable shot of Ahmad Elrich on the bench blowing a kiss to one of his teammates then giving Matt Crowell a peck on the cheek lest he feel left out. Those who have seen this season's Mariners calendar will know just how fond Elrich is of his team, and right now, who could blame him ? And after scoring a classy goal a mere 30 seconds after he came on, surely Elrich deserved a lot of love right back.

In fact, there are so many reasons to love this team right now, perhaps it's time you joined us ? Why not show your love now and avoid the rush to jump on the bandwagon when we reach the top spot? For the first time since December 2008, Mariners fans are basking in the sheer pleasure of back-to-back wins and a deluge of goals. Expect a truckload of gushing articles in the next few weeks as commentators fall over themselves to show their admiration for the team and madly backpedal to try and justify their dire predictions from pre-season.
("No ! I never said THAT, Simon!")

As a service to football commentators, and just in case you too need to "justify your love" to your friends, here's a couple of reasons you could use :

1. DANNY VUKOVIC - Should be written in capitals for the rest of the season as a tribute to just how outstanding his performances have been. Timing, positioning, strength, commitment and simply glorious to watch. He was the reason we won so decisively against Fury, no question. To have seen him re-emerge with a vengeance this season after the horror he went through is totally beautiful. "Statistically he's the best keeper in the league", says Simon Hill. Yeah, I think you mean - "He's the BEST keeper in the league". Every time I watch him now I can feel his time with us ticking away. Sad, but inevitable. Enjoy him while you can.

2. Defence : Had a short pre-season yet somehow managed to work hard enough and smart enough to reinvent themselves as the most miserly in the league. Boogs and Wilko are performing better than ever before. Heff is finally shaking off the NYE broken leg saga and his "Kings of Leon" beard adds Maximum Grunt !

3. Nik Mrdja : Plagued by numerous injuries, Mrdja has felt the pain of not performing at his best. Although he has been scoring regularly in the Youth League, he looked almost bewildered when he scored two goals against Fury. Hey big guy - enjoy ! Plenty more where those came from.

4. Midfield Magic : Some confusing Movember stuff happening out there but no confusion about how creative they are and how well they shut down opponents. Hutch so deserved that fifth goal. Pedj is simply working his butt off every minute he's out there and as for that goal: "Hello chicks !"

5. Lawrie McKinna : A few months back, every football commentator predicted his demise and a substantial number of fans wanted to see him go. They can denigrate his coaching ability and underestimate his chances all they like but it won't change a thing. Underneath that "good bloke" exterior is a coach capable of inspiring his players to greatness. Isn't it hilarious to see him prove everyone wrong ?

For me, there is now a sense of destiny about this team that cannot be denied. Uncertainty belongs to yesterday as the gap between the top four teams is rapidly closing. It is to be hoped that a big crowd comes out on Friday to see the boys face a pumped-up Perth and the W-League match as well. The Mariners W-League Team are top of the table, the amazing Michelle Heyman is the top goal scorer in the league and the whole team has really done us proud.

It will also be Wilko's 100th A-League appearance on Friday, a celebration that has come at exactly the right time for the Mariners captain. What was most impressive about his post-match comments on Saturday was his acknowledgement that it hadn't been an effortless 5-1 victory. This is a sign of a captain who is self-aware and looking to improve his performance. With those qualities at his disposal (plus a touch of Man Love) he can surely lead his team all the way to the top.