As the Mariners huddled together before kick-off in the F3 Derby last Saturday, I couldn’t help but wonder what words of inspiration were being passed around the circle.

Was Wilko firing up the team with some mantra about self-belief ?  Was Hutcho suggesting ways to dodge projectiles thrown by The Squadron ?  Or was Musti simply telling that classic joke about why baby Jesus wasn’t born in Newcastle ? 

Whatever was said, on the pitch and in the dressing room, something truly remarkable happened in the 90 minutes that followed.  It was absolute confidence, absolute determination. Not even the remotest hint that this game wasn’t going to be ours.  This wasn’t arrogance or bravado, just the result of hard work, quality play and intelligent tactics. (Thank you, Mr Arnold.)

It was champagne football and everyone played their part: The Ibini & Amini Show – so cute and so lethal, Bojic and McGlinchey totally on fire, the backline as solid as a rock.  Not to mention an outstanding performance from Rostyn Griffiths, the man Arnie calls his “Vinnie Grella”.  (Although he talks 100 times as fast as Vinnie and doesn’t carry a giant wedge of parmesan to away games.)

The only wrong note for me was seeing Bozanic on the bench, a place where he surely doesn’t belong.  Sure, it’s beautiful to see Hutcho in the F3 Derby but I hope we see Olly get a start soon.  He was a crucial part of our success last season and will be again.

With such great performances in the past few weeks, it’s hard to believe this is a club facing a major crisis.  Lack of job security is certainly not affecting the players and their current quality on the pitch would surely be attractive to any investor.

Hard to believe also, that a mere seven weeks ago we left Ausgrid Stadium despondent after losing 2-0, got stuck in traffic and found ourselves heckled at length by a group of Jets supporters in matching Topor-Stanley wigs.  Sadly, the only enjoyable part of the night was seeing the elaborate “CCM -  Always The Bridesmaids” Tifo created by The Squadron.

Sure, it hit us where it hurts, but as a fan I couldn’t help but admire their artistic efforts.  Unfortunately, on the Mariners' current form, it’s one banner The Squadron will never be able to use again.  (Unlike that Yellow Army banner about Centrelink – a perennial favourite !)

You see, the past few weeks have gradually revealed the Mariners’ true intentions for Season 7 and The Bridesmaids’ secret business has finally emerged.  Starting the season so slowly has all been a cunning plan.  We’ve lulled our opponents into a false sense of security, all the while honing ourselves physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.  

Other teams are also beginning to reveal their true colours as this season’s roles start to be allocated, such as :

Heart – “Is that a Santa hat in your pants, or are you just pleased to see me ?”  Appealing, entertainment value, props in undies. Role : Best Man 

Victory – “If we played this way every week we wouldn’t be so inconsistent.” Big names, big expectations, big headaches.  Role : Father of the Bride 

Sydney – “I’ve done a bit of acting” (Shannon Cole) Yeah, we noticed.  Be more convincing or you’ll wind up as an extra.  Role : Bridegroom 

 GCU – “We don’t play the silkiest football, we have a bit of naivety.”  Ah Miron !  If you didn’t exist we’d have to invent you.  Role : The Wedding Singer. 

Brisbane  - “I can feel the bandwagon getting lighter.”  Never mind Ange, they can never take that record away.  But hey, we will take that title !  Role : Bridesmaids. 

Perhaps you’d like to suggest a suitable role in this A-League Holiday Season “Rom-Com” for your own team ?  Unfortunately, the Mariners have already grabbed the starring role for themselves and it's one you can bet they will hang onto as only a heartbroken former bridesmaid can.

Because just as we’ve hit our stride, Brissy are starting to look dodgy.  The thought of meeting them at Suncorp at just such a moment in the season, especially after their away trip to Dunedin, is more enticing than meeting Colin Firth in a wet shirt.  In fact, you couldn’t have scripted it better.

So pack up the white dress and the veil, Roarcelona.  Arnie’s boys are coming to take what’s rightfully theirs!