Alex Wilkinson played his 150th game for The Mariners last Saturday, a feat only achieved by one other A-League player, Matt Thompson who also happened to be on the pitch. 

Although it wasn’t a brilliant performance against Heart, it was great to see Wilko mark this momentous occasion with another vital win and dare I say, a rare instance in which ‘controversial’ referee decisions went our way.  Except for Heart fans, surely no-one could say the Mariners haven’t suffered from some pretty tough ref calls over the years, especially when it really mattered in Grand Finals. 

Speaking of which, I noticed Arnie turned his back and couldn’t seem to watch as McBreen stepped up to take the penalty.  I felt the same way but when the ball hit the back of the net I had a tear in my eye and felt so happy for McBreen.  Controversy or not, on this season’s efforts, he so deserved that goal and the chance to heal old wounds. 

It seemed a pity though that controversy over two of our goals almost overshadowed Wilko’s big achievement.  If this season’s slow start has proved one thing, it’s that the Mariners are a better team, a stronger team, when Wilko is on the park.  His positive contribution since Season 1 and in particular, since becoming captain, is almost beyond measure.

For most Mariners’ fans, Wilko epitomises all the great things the club stands for : hard-work, team spirit and a strong engagement with the community.  He never whinges (at least not in public), has a great disciplinary record and provides a wonderful role model for the thousands of kids on the Coast who play football.

In light of Wilko’s total dedication to his club, it seems troubling to think that in a week when he should have been celebrating his achievements he might have been worrying whether he would get paid. 

Last week several leading football journalists wrote about The Mariners’ current financial crisis, with The Telegraph reporting that ‘four senior players and several members of staff ‘ had had salaries delayed.  It’s not the first time this season that players have reportedly had to contend with the club’s cash flow problems, with superannuation payments outstanding and the PFA stepping in.  Not to mention the reported $1.5 million the club owes in tax. 

Although the club keeps assuring us that “potential backers” are hovering, until they sign on the dotted line the future of the club is surely now on shaky ground.  And while the FFA says they are ‘committed to a ten-team competition’, there’s no suggestion that an FFA bail out is on the cards under any circumstances.

Some months ago, Singo was mentioned as willing to take over the club while a potential investor was found, but that happy ending seems to have faded away. 

As a fan, I can’t help but feel seriously concerned for the club that I love, as well as for the players and their families.  Most of us can imagine how stressful it must be to worry about paying the mortgage or bills, while still having to put on a good performance on the pitch.

And like Wilko, I remember the sad demise of Northern Spirit. According to Hutcho, players who ended up not getting paid had to try and grab free food from one of the club owner’s cafes (look out Café Penoz and Fruit For All !) while others were regular dinner guests at Chez McKinna.

Personally, I’d be perfectly happy to cook for the whole team or more importantly, invest in some small way in the Mariners myself if the opportunity arose.  The club is said to be investigating a community shareholder model but no details have yet emerged.

And it’s this lack of information, accompanied by rumours and hearsay that are making many fans nervous right now.  Next week the ACL draw takes place but instead of anticipating some great football, I’ll be worrying about how we can afford to participate in what can be a costly tournament. 

Back in March, all these worries were miles away.  We had just qualified for Asia and had completed a season to make us all proud.  As I stood next to Peter Turnbull in the Calypso Bar on Grand Final day, I never imagined the club would be facing these issues a few months ahead.

Had I known, I might have stoped drinking and singing and asked him what, if anything, we mere fans could do to help.  At heart, Mariners supporters are all a little bit “Wilko” : devoted to the club and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure this football dream survives.